Parents with children aged under 16 most likely to be in Distressed Relationships

Parents with children aged under 16 years of age are most likely to be in stressful relationships, according to Relate.

Classed as a Distressed Relationship, 1.4m families in the UK are now classed as being at breaking point.

Relate is aiming to get struggling families get support to address the impacts family breakdown can cause.

According to research by Relate, 49 per cent of partners say they are quarrelling occasionally, but 6.8 per cent are now rowing at severe levels.

And it’s parents with younger children that are in the worst situations, with 22 per cent in struggling relationships.

Chief Executive at Relate, Chris Sherwood said:“It is hugely concerning that 18% of UK married and cohabiting couples are in distressed relationships. Broken and unhealthy relationships can lead to debt, loneliness, health problems, depression, homelessness, criminality and can have a profound effect on children’s life chances.

“Parents of young children are more likely to be in distressed relationships, which is particularly worrying. Families can’t go on like this. We need to make sure that Relate’s services are available to everyone, not just those who can afford them, but we can’t do so unless we get donations to subsidise the cost. That is why we are launching our Breaking Point appeal today, calling on people to donate to us to help families find the answer that’s right for them, as with Relate’s support a breaking point can become a turning point.”