top of page
The Bruise You Can't See 

​

This powerful play tackles the critical issues of controlling behavior, consent, and domestic abuse in teenage relationships, shedding light on a reality faced by far too many young people today. By exploring the five types of abuse—physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and coercive control—the play equips audiences with the tools to recognize early warning signs and understand the often hidden dynamics of unhealthy relationships.

​

Why Is This Play Vital for Young People in Schools?

Teenage years are formative, a time when young people are navigating relationships and discovering their sense of identity. Unfortunately, this is also a period when many young people are vulnerable to unhealthy dynamics, manipulation, and abuse. According to Refuge UK, one in five teenage girls in a relationship has experienced physical abuse, and many others suffer in silence from emotional or coercive control.

 

The Bruise You Can’t See is essential viewing for young people because it confronts these realities head-on. It provides a safe space for audiences to reflect on the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of abuse that are often normalised or dismissed. The play doesn’t just highlight the problems—it challenges the perceptions and stereotypes surrounding domestic abuse and empowers young people to think critically about their own relationships and those of their peers.

 
Challenging Perceptions and Breaking the Cycle

One of the play’s most impactful elements is its ability to challenge stereotypes about abuse. Domestic abuse is often misunderstood as only being physical, but this story dives deep into the less visible yet equally harmful forms of abuse, such as coercive control and emotional manipulation. By breaking down these misconceptions, the play encourages empathy and understanding, helping young people to see that abuse can take many forms, all of which are damaging.

 
Empowering Audiences to Take Action

What sets The Bruise You Can’t See apart is its empowering message. It doesn’t just raise awareness; it equips young people with the knowledge and confidence to act. Whether that means recognising the signs in their own relationships, supporting a friend in need, or understanding how to safely seek help, the play gives them the tools to take a stand against unhealthy dynamics.

​

Addressing a Growing Epidemic

Domestic abuse and coercion among young people is a growing concern in the UK. Social media, peer pressure, and the rise of toxic narratives around relationships have all contributed to the normalisation of controlling behavior and blurred the lines of consent. The Bruise You Can’t See confronts this epidemic with sensitivity and urgency, showing young audiences the importance of respect, consent, and equality in their relationships.

 
Building a Culture of Respect and Awareness

By bringing this play into schools, educators can foster a culture of awareness and respect among their students. Discussions sparked by the play can help young people navigate their relationships more thoughtfully and make them more likely to intervene if they see harmful behaviors. The message is clear: no one deserves to be controlled, manipulated, or abused, and everyone has the power to help create a safer, healthier environment for their peers.

The Bruise You Can’t See is not just a performance—it’s a vital educational tool and a call to action. By addressing issues that are often ignored or misunderstood, the play provides young people with a chance to learn, reflect, and build the confidence to stand up against abuse, both now and in the future. It’s a must-see for schools, offering a lasting impact that extends far beyond the final curtain.

Address

Company No: 07002260
Registered address:
Cambridge House
16 High Street
Essex CB10 1AX

​

Follow us

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

© 2024 by Theatre Inspiring Change. Website design & maintenance by Signpost Media

bottom of page