Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse 
Domestic abuse happens
when one person tries to control, bully or hurt another they are in
a relationship with. Domestic abuse is closely linked to child
abuse and it may be that some children and young people are caused
harm by living in an environment where domestic abuse occurs.
The first step to changing what is happening
is to understand the abuse:
- Physical Abuse – is when
someone is violent (or threatens you with violence), such as
pushing, hitting, punching, smashing things around you or maybe
scaring you by driving dangerously.
- Emotional Abuse – is when
someone puts you down and humiliates you. They will constantly
check up on you and stop you from seeing your friends and family.
This type of abuse is very powerful and can be a warning sign that
the person may become violent in the future.
- Sexual Abuse – is when
someone pressures you or forces you into doing sexual things that
you don’t want to do, including rape, touching you in a way that
makes you feels uncomfortable, taking sexualised pictures of you or
making you watch pornography. Financial Abuse – is when someone
does not allow you to have your own money or make your own
financial decisions. They may buy everything for you and make you
give them any money you earn yourself. They may prevent you from
having your own job.
- Honour Based Violence – is
when family, friends and communities seek to ‘punish’ a person for
what they think is disrespect and shame brought to their culture or
religion.
It is against the law for
someone to physically hurt you, threaten to hurt you or sexually
abuse you. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or living in an
environment where domestic abuse is affecting you, you should talk
to someone such as a friend, relative, a teacher, cal a helpline or
contact an appropriate website.
You MUST call the Police on 999 if you are in
danger!
What to look for:
Signs of an abusive relationship are:
- The other person does not let you spend time
with family and friends.
- You always feel like you need to watch what
you say and do.
- You are put down and humiliated.
- You are hurt, threatened or told that the
other person will harm themselves because of you.
- You are scared to say ‘no’.
- You are not allowed to make your own
decisions.
What to do:
Are you being abused?
- Remember that it’s not your fault – the
person who’s abusing you is to blame.
- Remember that you have the right to feel safe
at home.
- Tell someone you can trust like a
parent/carer, teacher or friend.
- Don’t suffer in silence, even if you might be
worried if you tell.
Is one of your parents/carers being abused?
- Keep safe. Find a place in the house you can
go to when things get hard at home.
- Tell someone you can trust like a teacher,
friend, or call one of the helplines listed.
Contacts:
National
Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Womens Aid
Keeping Children and Young People safe is everybodies
business.