Young people in Wiltshire are being encouraged to recognise the signs of domestic abuse through a series of activities in National Domestic Abuse Week.

An exhibition at County Hall, Trowbridge, will run until December 8, highlighting how abuse can start in young relationships and behaviour to spot when worried about a friend.

Two of the experts from Splitz Support Service appeared on Spark radio yesterday, to answer questions.

Kim Patton, coordinator of the children’s programme at Splitz, said: “I think what young people don’t realise is the abusive way that technology can be used. That is the biggest concern we have when young people are in intimate relationships.

“Because of the way domestic abuse has been highlighted, young people are more aware that they can talk about it, but, equally, I don’t think they are aware of what it is.

“People see physical violence, but emotional abuse can be as bad because it is hidden.”

Although a Splitz survey revealed a quarter of teenage girls had been hit by a boyfriend, Mrs Patton said it was finding that girls were getting more abusive.

In the survey, 44 per cent of males and 38 per cent of females thought it was always or sometimes acceptable for a woman to hit a man.

Mrs Patton added: “Our main objective is stopping it and getting people to understand.”

Wiltshire Council corporate director Maggie Rae said: “I sincerely hope this campaign helps to raise awareness of the support that is available for people affected by domestic abuse.”