Mary Hayes
Too Into You Project Lead, Women’s Aid
Learn the severe impact of intimate relationship abuse on young women’s mental health including depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidal ideation.
Women’s Aid reveals that young women subjected to intimate relationship abuse can face severe and long-lasting mental health consequences. In Ireland, one in five young women aged 18–25 have been abused by a current partner or ex.
Of these young women, 84% said that the abuse had a severe impact on them, including suffering low self-esteem/self-worth, anxiety, depression and isolation or withdrawal from friends, family and social events. Worryingly, 44% of them experienced suicidal thoughts, with 19% attempting suicide — underlining the urgency for awareness and support.
84% said that the abuse had a severe
impact on them, including suffering
low self-esteem/self-worth, anxiety,
depression and isolation.
Taking intimate relationship abuse seriously
Emotional abuse, online abuse and sexual coercion are pervasive (9 of 10 young women report emotional abuse). Despite this, abusive behaviours have become normalised in young relationships, and it is often difficult to spot controlling behaviours.
The #TooIntoYou campaign aims to highlight the red flags of intimate relationship abuse to young women. Encourage young women to seek support if concerned about their partner’s or ex’s treatment at toointoyou.ie, the Women’s Aid’s website for young people.
If you are worried for yourself or someone you know, call the Women’s Aid 24-hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 or chat with someone on toointoyou.ie for free, confidential support.