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What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is violent behaviour of any kind within a family or a relationship. This includes one family member abusing another or violence between a couple in a relationship.

One form of domestic violence is child abuse. This is when a child or young person is harmed, neglected or bullied by an older adult. You don't have to be physically hurt to be a victim of child abuse.

If you are constantly being sworn at, teased or told that you're unwanted, this may also be classed as emotional abuse.

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If you're being hurt

If you've been physically or mentally harmed by a relative or someone you're in a relationship with, remember that you are not to blame. Many victims of domestic violence believe that they have created or caused the problems that led to the violence but this isn’t the case. The only person to blame is the one who is committing the violent acts.

If you feel confident enough, you should call the police. They take crimes like this very seriously and will be able to act quickly. If you don't want to call the police, talk to a friend or a teacher that you can trust about your feelings. The worst thing you can do is stay quiet and allow it to continue.

If someone you know is being hurt

If you're worried that one of your friends, parents or carers is a victim of violence in their own home, tell them about your concerns. It's best to help them talk through the situation and support them if they decide to report the matter themselves.

Teenage relationship advice

A recent NSPCC survey showed that a quarter of girls and 18 per cent of boys have experienced physical violence in a relationship.

Abuse in teen relationships doesn’t just cover physical violence. Other examples of this type of abuse include:

• pressuring a partner into having sex
• controlling behaviour
• unnecessary jealousy or anger

Remember that abuse in a relationship is never okay. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect from their partner.

The 'This is Abuse' website has more information about:

• what behaviour counts as abuse
• how to recognise the signs of abuse
• the organisations who can help you if you’re being abused by your partner
  

• This is abuse Opens new window

Organisations with further information

If you're worried about issues related to domestic violence, there are a number of organisations you can contact for helpful advice.

ChildLine

If you're a victim of domestic abuse and you're worried about reporting it to the police, you can call ChildLine on 0800 1111. They'll let you know exactly what will happen if you tell someone about your situation and help you work out what to do next. ChildLine is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Calls to ChildLine are free and they'll never appear on your phone bill. You may also be able to find useful information on their website.

• ChildLine Opens new window

NSPCC

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) runs a helpline for people who are worried about cases of possible child abuse. The NSPCC cannot investigate suspected child abuse cases, but they can report your concerns to the police or your local children's services team. The number is 0808 800 5000 and it is open 24 hours a day.

• What happens when you contact the NSPCC child abuse helpline Opens new window

Help and support in your area

You can find help and support from organisations in your area if you're a victim of domestic violence by using the link below.

• Help and support if you're a victim of domestic violence Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Bullying online

• Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)

• Citizens Advice Bureau

• NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

• Young people contacts