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Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse Couple Arguing

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:

Welsh Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 8010 800

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Womens Aid

Keeping Children and Young People safe is everybodies business.