Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse happens in families between grown ups when one adult hurts or bullies another adult who is or was their partner, or who is part of the same family.
When can it happen?
It can happen when people live together or in different houses. Although domestic abuse happens between adults, children can be affected in lots of ways by the abuse that they see. You might feel frightened, scared and very upset by what you experience and can also be hurt or bullied as part of domestic abuse.
Remember it’s not your fault, you are not alone. It is very important that you talk to someone if you are experiencing this, there are people that can help you. This could be a neighbour, a friend or a teacher.
Domestic abuse can be:
- Physical – for example, kicking, hitting, pushing, making another adult do something that they don’t want to do.
- Emotional – frightening the other adult to make them feel bad.
- Financial – this could be taking away or controlling the other adult's money, or not let them go to work.
Everyone has the right to be and feel safe.
In an emergency, for example if there is a fight, you can always call 999 and ask for the police.
Here are some organisations that can help you.
Call the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247(run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge).
