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Verge of Harming Phase 2 research

Exploring what effective support looks like for young people who harm

Verge of Harming Phase 2 is a research report from SafeLives, working in partnership with Respect and five frontline services across the UK. The report explores how professionals can best support young people using harmful behaviours in their intimate or family relationships. Based on the voices of young people and practitioners, it outlines what effective, trauma-informed support should look like—and why. 

 

Looking for practical tools to apply this research? 

We developed a practical, evidence-based resource to help professionals deliver earlier, safer and more meaningful support. 

Explore the Empowering Engagement resource

 

Building on Phase 1 

In 2022, phase one of the Verge of Harming project explored why and how young people begin to use harmful behaviours in romantic or family relationships, and what meaningful support should involve. 

That research led to the Early Intervention Support model, shaped around three stages: beginning, middle and end. 

Phase two builds on this foundation. Working with Respect and five frontline services—The Wish Centre, New Era (Victim Support), MyCWA (Cheshire Without Abuse), SAFE!, and Harbour—we deepened our understanding of what works best at each stage of support. In particular, we focused on the beginning and end phases, which are often overlooked but vital for creating better outcomes. 

The findings draw from interviews, creative workshops and focus groups with young people and practitioners. 

 

Just because we might have done bad things doesn’t mean we are bad people.

Young person

Key findings

Support should begin with preparation.

Professionals need relevant training and understanding of the whole person—including trauma, mental health, neurodivergence, and cultural identity. 

Gathering information from multiple sources is essential.

Practitioners must consider the young person’s view, as well as that of the referrer, agencies, and family members—building a full picture of their circumstances and needs. 

Building rapport is crucial to engagement and change.

Young people told us they’re more likely to engage when practitioners are honest, approachable, and non-judgemental. Trust is best built in relaxed, informal environments where the young person feels safe. Practitioners should reassure young people they will be working alongside them, showing how support can help them and how they will work together to achieve this.

Support should be adapted to the young person’s needs.

Sessions should be flexible, creative and delivered in a way that reflects the young person’s preferences, communication style and identity. 

Families play a key role where harm has taken place in the home.

Support for parents alongside the young person helps shift blame, build understanding, and strengthen relationships. 

Endings need to be planned and empowering.

Young people want clear information about when and why support will end, the chance to reflect on their progress, and a sense of closure that helps sustain change. 

Woman looking out over balcony

Children and young people

Find out more about Safe Young Lives our programme of work across the UK to reduce the risk experienced by young people and to improve the care pathways they can access.

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