Support for Children and Young People

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is when one grown-up hurts or bullies another grown-up who is or was their partner, or who is in the same family. Domestic abuse can happen between people who are boyfriend and girlfriend or who are married.

It can happen when people live together or in different houses. Usually (but not always) it is the man who hurts the woman. Although domestic abuse happens between grown-ups, children can be affected by the abuse that they see and hear. Children can also be hurt or bullied as part of domestic abuse.

There can sometimes be arguments or even fighting and saying things that are hurtful. When most grownups have an argument, they can talk it through and eventually become friends again.

The difference with domestic abuse is that it is about one person trying to control another person who is their partner or ex-partner. It causes one person to live in constant fear of the other and it also doesn’t just happen once. It can get worse over time.

When someone is being abusive it can feel like the argument never ends and that no matter what you (or Mum) do, they will still be angry and frightening. No-one should be made to feel frightened or stupid by someone else, especially in your own home.

If this is happening in your family, remember that you are not alone. Domestic abuse happens in many families and there are people that can help you and your family.

If abuse is at happening at home, you probably want it to stop but you might not be sure what you can do. The first thing is to tell a trusted adult what is going on e.g. a teacher, a neighbour, a friend or a friend’s parent.

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