Domestic Violence
You can always go to Childline site and access their page here, click the blue icon.
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is when a grown-up threatens, bullies or hurts another adult in the family. Sometimes it's called domestic violence. And it can happen in any family. It can be very hard to deal with but remember that it's never your fault.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?
It might not always be obvious if what's happening at home is domestic abuse. But if somebody in your family uses bullying or violence to get another adult to do what they want, that's domestic abuse.
It can include:
Physical violence
Like hitting, kicking, punching, pushing, hair-pulling.
Threats
This includes threatening to hurt you, another person in your family, or a pet. Or threatening to stop money for food or bills.
Sexual violence
Making another person do something sexual when they don't want to, or making someone watch sexual material on the internet or television.
Controlling someone's finances
This includes not allowing somebody to spend their own money. Or not giving them money for basic things such as food, nappies for babies, or clothes.
Controlling someone's life
This could include stopping someone from going to work or school.
Cultural or 'honour' violence
This includes being hurt or abused as a punishment for something that's not seen as culturally acceptable by your community or family. It can include being forced to marry someone.
(Childline, 2020)
If your boyfriend or girlfriend is under 16 and is being abusive, this is Relationship Abuse or Peer Abuse. Click here if you feel this is happening to you for help and support.
Get support
The most important thing you can do is to keep yourself safe. Domestic abuse isn't your fault. And it's not down to you to stop the fighting, violence or abuse. Trying to stop it could put you in danger.
If you feel it's safe, tell your parents how you feel about what's happening at home. They may not realise that you know what's happening or how scary it is.
Talk to a trusted adult about what's happening. This can really help. If you're worried for your own safety, it's important to talk to somebody as soon as you can.
You can also get support for domestic abuse from The Hide Out.
Remember your safety is always the most important thing, if you ever feel unsafe in any situation, call the police on 999.