Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Any type of threatening or controlling behaviour is abuse – whether it’s physically, emotionally, sexually or financially. These include –

• Controlling behaviour
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Control over money
• Emotional abuse
• Forced marriage
• Stalking and harassment
• Online and digital abuse

An example could look like:

“He was my first boyfriend. He told me what I could and could not wear and was constantly checking my phone and wanting to know where I was all times”

“Mum and dad get into fights most nights, he calls her horrible names. Mum always has bruises on her arms and face, I feel scared”

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.

In an emergency, for example if there is a fight, you can always call 999 and ask for the police.

It can happen in any family or relationship. It might not always be obvious that it’s  happening. It can be very hard to deal with but remember that it’s never your fault. If you live in a house where domestic abuse is happening this can be very upsetting and impact on your own well-being even if you do not see it happen.