If you are a child or young person reading this and you live with violence at home, please keep reading. You are not alone.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a serious problem. It is not just physical (slapping, punching or kicking), it can be someone trying to control what you do. It can include sexual and emotional abuse.
An abuser may threaten you, control your money or use anything else to make you do things they want. This includes forcing you into marriage. You might be:
- In an abusive relationship yourself;
- or worried about this type of abuse between other members of your family.
"I used to feel like it was my fault. They were always fighting about me. I wanted it to stop."
Who can you go to for help?
You can talk to a teacher, doctor, youth worker, family member or anyone else you trust. You can also use these contacts:
- Childline.org or phone Childline on: 0800 1111. Free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.
- The Hideout - A website created by Women's Aid. It is to help children and young people understand domestic violence and abuse. Also, how to take positive action if it is happening to you.
- Disrespect Nobody - A website for young people. You can find information about abuse in relationships and how to get help and support. There are also links to other (confidential) help.
- Calderdale Staying Safe - Offers free confidential support and advice. This is for adults and young people who are going through domestic abuse in their own relationships.
- Write to: Calderdale Staying Safe, Womencentre, 23 Silver Street, Halifax. HX1 1JN.
- Telephone: 01422 323339.
Note: Any information you give will be kept private and confidential.
"It helped me to understand that bottling up things wasn't a good idea."
Forced marriage and honour based violence
For free confidential advice and support:
- Visit: Karma Nirvana.
- Telephone: 0800 5999 247.
Information will not be shared with your family or community.
Are you a child or young person worried about being abusive?
If you are being violent or abusive towards someone, there are people who can help you too.
- Calderdale Respect Programme - contact the Calderdale FIT team, telephone: 01422 392819.
- Branching Out for advice and support with alcohol, drugs and smoking.
"I started to feel a bit more normal and realised for the first time that I wasn't alone"