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EmpowHER is a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space for young women aged 16–25 to talk, get support, and feel heard.
Healthy relationships make you feel good about yourself. Here are some of the signs to look out for.
Short videos on healthy relationships, red flags, and building confidence — in your own time, on your phone.
Answer a few questions at your own pace — it’s completely anonymous and there are no right or wrong answers.
Time spent apart
Healthy relationships allow both people to keep their own friendships and independence
Feeling guilty for seeing friends or family may be sign of an unhealthy relationship
If someone pressures you to only spend time with them, it could be a sign of controlling behaviour
Appearance
A supportive partner should make you feel confident and respected
Negative comments can damage self-esteem if they make you feel insecure or embarrassed
Controlling your appearance or putting you down can be emotionally harmful behaviour
Communication
Trust is an important part of a healthy relationship
Expecting instant replies all the time can become unhealthy pressure
Excessive checking-up behaviour can be controlling and intrusive
Privacy
Healthy relationships include trust and boundaries
Feeling pressured to share passwords or messages can be a warning sign
Monitoring your phone or accounts without respect for privacy can be a sign of controlling behaviour
Inappropriate Content
Your privacy and consent should always be respected
Threatening to share intimate content can be a sign of manipulative and abusive behaviour
Sharing intimate images without consent is abusive and can also be illegal
Accusations
Trust and communication are key parts of a healthy relationship
Healthy relationships are built on trust and communication
Frequent accusations can be emotionally abusive and controlling
Conflict
You should feel able to disagree without fear
Constantly avoiding conflict may mean the relationship feels emotionally unsafe
Fear should never be part of a healthy relationship
Physical Touch
Physical boundaries should always be respected
Any unwanted physical behaviour is serious and should not be ignored
Physical intimidation or violence is abuse and is never acceptable
Pressure
Consent should always be clear, mutual, and respected
Pressure, guilt, or emotional manipulation around intimacy is a sign of an unhealthy relationship
Forced intimacy is abuse and is never your fault
Feeling Stuck
Healthy relationships should never make you feel trapped
Fear of someone’s reaction may mean that your relationship is unhealthy
Feeling worried or anxious about leaving a relationship can be a sign that something in the relationship may not feel healthy or supportive
Our Young Women’s Service offers a range of support . Whatever you need, however you’d prefer to reach out.
Emotional support & one-to-one sessions 
Safety planning & practical help 
Building confidence & self-esteem 
Phone and online support options 
Support for friends who are worried 
Signposting to other helpful services 
It can be hard to know what to do. If your friend is going out with someone who doesn’t treat them well, checking in with them can make a real difference. Here’s what to look out for.
You see them a lot less than you used to
Their partner bombards them with messages
Their partner knows their passwords / checks their phone
They minimise their partners unhealthy behaviour
Your friend seems quieter, tense, or distracted
Their partner gets really jealous if someone chats to them
It’s not always easy to spot when something is wrong, but if a friend doesn’t seem like themselves, trust your instincts.
Maybe they’ve become more withdrawn, stopped doing things they enjoy, pulled away from friends, or you’ve noticed worrying behaviour in their relationship. If something feels off, it’s always worth checking in and showing you care.
Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple “Hey, how are you?”. Reach out, check in, and invite your friend to spend time together.
If they’re struggling, they may feel isolated, so let them know you’re there for them. Share your concerns gently and remind them they can talk whenever they’re ready.
Give your friend space to talk and listen without judgement. They may not be ready to share everything at once, so be patient and let them open up in their own time.
It can take great courage to talk about difficult experiences, so let them know you believe them. Remind them the abuse is not their fault and that you’re there to support them.
Be there to support, not decide. Encourage your friend to talk about their feelings, respect their choices, and avoid pressuring them to take action before they’re ready.
Instead, help them explore their options and remind them that support is available through trusted friends, family members, and services like the EmpowHER Project. Let them know they’re not alone.
Everyone’s journey is different, and your friend may not be ready to talk or make changes straight away. Try not to pressure them or become frustrated.
Continue checking in, reminding them you’re there, and respecting their choices. Knowing they have someone who cares can make all the difference when they’re ready to reach out.
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Whether you’re looking for advice, support, or just someone to listen, EmpowHER is here for you. We offer free, confidential one-to-one support, phone support, group work, and a safe space to chat about anything that’s on your mind.
Whether you’re worried about your relationship, supporting a friend, or simply want to learn more about healthy relationships, we’re here to help at your pace, with no pressure.
Getting started with EmpowHER is easy! Simply give Aoife, our Young Women’s Worker, a call on 07719 056150 or 028 3025 8701.
She’ll have a friendly chat with you, answer any questions you have, and explain how we can support you. There’s no pressure, no judgement, and no commitment just a conversation to help you decide what feels right for you.
No question is too big or too small. Whether you want to learn more about healthy relationships, dating abuse, red flags and green flags, boundaries, consent, or anything in between, we’re here to chat.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for in our FAQs, get in touch we’re always happy to listen and offer advice. Our aim is to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered.
