In family life or relationships, there are ups and downs; sometimes people say and do things to each other that are not nice. However there is a difference between normal arguing and abusive behaviour within the home. This abusive behaviour is called domestic violence.
Abuse is when one person hurts or bullies another person. Domestic violence is when this abuse happens between two people in a family or between two people that are dating, living together, married or has children together. (Examples are between parents, boyfriend and girlfriend, or gay and lesbian couples).
Who can be a victim (the person hurt or bullied)?
Domestic violence can happen to ANYONE regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion or the amount of money that you have. Domestic violence can happen to adults or teenagers in a dating relationship.
Usually men are the abusers and women are the victims, however men and young people can often be the victims. Sometimes another member of your family might be the abuser; it could be your mum, brother or sister, grandparent, foster parent or your carer.
Domestic violence can be physical such as hitting, kicking, punching and slapping, but it can also be ‘emotional abuse’. This can be constant name calling, making someone feel small, stopping them doing the things they enjoy and preventing them from seeing friends and family.
Domestic violence is never ok and IT IS NEVER YOUR FAULT. You deserve to live a life free from abuse.
Where can I get help?
You can come into one of our Connexions Centres and speak confidentially to one of our personal advisers; alternatively there are many organisations that can help. Below is a list of websites which offer further information and advice. You can download our 'Think You Know about Domestic Violence' question and answer sheet for further information.
Help lines
- Childline: 0800 1111
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Connexions Direct: 080 800 13 2 19 (8am to 2am 7 days a week)
In an emergency dial 999
Useful websites
Directgov – Domestic Violence
Provides further information on domestic violence.
Colchester Youth Enquiry Service (YES)
Colchester YES is a charity that helps support young people between the ages of 11 and 25. Provides help with homelessness, housing and family mediation.
Relate
Relate North Essex offers support for families, couples and individuals who are having problems with close relationships, providing counselling for young people worried about their parents, step-parents or friends at school.
The Hideout
This website offers lots of information upon Domestic Violence.
Bursting the Bubble
Help and advice for teenagers on family problems.
Essex Police
Information from the Essex Police about what to do if you witness domestic violence and details of Domestic Violence Officers.
Hidden Hurt
A UK-based abuse and violence support site.
Respect4Us
This website has a great interactive section teaching the rights we all have to live a life that is free of violence and threat.
Essex Safeguarding Children Board
Brings together agencies who work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in Essex.
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