This Valentine’s Week, we're proud to support a campaign by our domestic abuse specialist, Glow, that helps local people recognise early warning signs of domestic abuse that are often mistaken for romance.
Glow has launched ‘Romance or Red Flag?’ designed to help people recognise early warning signs of domestic abuse that are often mistaken for romance.
Running across the service’s Facebook page, the campaign will use interactive “Romance or Red Flag?” scenarios to encourage people to reflect on everyday relationship behaviours - from constant messaging and fast-moving commitment to sharing passwords, gaslighting, stonewalling and emotional pressure.
The initiative aims to spark conversation, increase public understanding of coercive and controlling behaviours, and ensure more people know where to turn for help if something in their relationship doesn’t feel right.
Whilst Valentine’s Day is a time of celebration for many, the day also places significant cultural pressure on love, grand gestures, and intense displays of affection, which can sometimes mask unhealthy behaviours. Glow’s campaign seeks to cut through these myths and provide clear, accessible information about what healthy relationships should look like.
Honeycomb Group’s Executive Director of Support and Wellbeing, Kerry Birtles (pictured above), shared more: “We want people to feel empowered to trust their instincts. If something feels off in a relationship, it often is. This campaign isn’t about blaming or judging - it’s about awareness, understanding, and starting important conversations that many people don’t always feel able to have. We know that abuse can often begin subtly, and behaviours that look like love can sometimes mask control.
“By shining a light on these early warning signs, we hope to help people recognise concerns sooner and feel confident reaching out for support. Most importantly, we want everyone to know that if any of this resonates with them, they don’t have to navigate it alone - help is available, and we are here to listen.”
If you feel worried about your relationship, or that of a loved one, this Valentine’s Day, Glow can provide confidential, non-judgemental guidance. Call 0330 094 5559 or click here to visit Glow's website.
