Healthy relationships

A healthy relationship is based on trust, respect and good communication. Both people feel valued, supported and able to express themselves openly. Healthy relationships include:

• feeling safe and comfortable with your partner

• valuing each other’s opinions – even if they are different

• supporting each other’s dreams and ambitions

• honesty and trust

• having other interests that don’t involve each other

• accepting each other’s friends and family

• making each other laugh

• only having sexual contact when both people want to

• accepting each other for who you are.

An unhealthy relationship may involve disrespectful attitudes/behaviours, lack of trust, or controlling behaviour. Some other signs of an unhealthy relationship are:

• trying to control actions, clothing choices, movements etc.

• constant blaming behaviour

• threatening behaviour

• bullying and putting someone down or embarrassing them in public

• sexually demanding or using sex as a means of control

• pressuring for intimate images without consent

• isolation from friends & family

• disregarding privacy

• making someone feel scared or making them cry

• taking money or other things without consent

• making all of the decisions in a relationship

Some people may not recognise the signs of an unhealthy relationship, particularly if they have experienced harmful behaviours in the past. Learning about healthy and unhealthy behaviours in relationships can help people make positive changes and seek support if needed.

If you have immediate urgent concerns about the someone's safety you should report this to the police by calling 999