Family issues

Everyone should feel safe and cared for at home, but if someone in your family is violent, being at home can be scary. The adults may be hurting each other, or one of them may be hurting you. It's usually women who are at the receiving end of domestic abuse, but it can be the other way around. It is rarely a one-off event.

Domestic violence can happen in all kinds of families. The abuse may involve shouting, arguing, hitting or even fighting. Sometimes it's things like making someone feel worthless, not letting him or her have any money or not allowing them to leave the house.

Seeing or hearing someone you love being abused is really frightening and can make you feel angry, helpless, guilty or ashamed. It can affect your studies and you might have trouble sleeping.

 

How to get help

Young people living with domestic violence can feel very lonely. If you can, try talking to someone you trust - like a teacher, a social worker or a relative - about what's happening.

They might be able to help get it stopped.

Remember

Domestic violence is not your fault. It's only the fault of the person who is being violent.

It's not your job to stop it. Sometimes young people try to step in and stop the violence, but they risk getting hurt themselves.

If you feel your mum or dad is in danger call the police by ringing 999 and give the following information: 

• Your name, age and contact details
• Explain the details of what is happening
• Who is there?
• What has or is being said or done
• If you or anyone else is hurt or anything got damaged.