The Minister for Women, the Hon Verity Firth MP has announced the availability of a new DVD Stand Up 4 U for young women aged 12-15 years on the early warning signs of potentially abusive relationships.

'This short, entertaining and thought provoking DVD is about helping young girls identify what does and doesn't feel right in a relationship. By demonstrating behaviours like control, jealousy, put downs and isolation this DVD could make a big difference to the lives of some of these young girls by giving them the confidence to Stand Up' the Minister said.

The results of the most recent National Youth Survey indicate that young women place a high importance on their personal relationships. Young women are also concerned about the possibility of being taken advantage of or abused in those relationships. Research has shown that younger female adolescents are more inclined to support 'pro-violent' statements, and may be vulnerable to entering relationships which might endanger them.

While extensive work in the past decade has produced research on the extent of domestic violence and a range of services to assist women and their families who have been affected by violence, there is now an opportunity for the NSW government to concentrate on early intervention and prevention.

'This government is firmly committed to reducing domestic and sexual violence. Inspiring young women to think about, and enter into, a healthy relationship is important. Even if they're not in a relationship now, something might just trigger the thought that 'this isn't right' if they confront these behaviours when they start dating' Minister Firth said.

The DVD is available free of charge from the Office for Women - call 02 9226 3141 or watch it now