Abuse is when another person does something that is intended to cause you harm. There are many different types of abuse and it doesn't have to mean someone harming you physically - it includes emotional abuse.
It is possible, particularly with emotional abuse, that you are not aware that you are being abused, or it might be that you choose to accept it, or think that it is normal. However, it is never okay for anyone to abuse you in any form and there is plenty of help and advice on offer.
There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about having power and control over you.
NSPCC says domestic abuse is “any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship.”
Domestic abuse can happen in any relationship and is not only physical violence. It can include emotional, physical, sexual, psychological (how someone thinks and feels), or financial abuse.
Something called coercive controlling behaviour is also part of domestic abuse. This involves your partner controlling everything that you do, everyday. Some people do not even know they are being controlled in this way.
By young people, for young people
Would you like to share your experiences of this topic with other young people?
This could be some written text, a blog post, a short voice or video recording.
If you are in immediate danger call 999.
You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. Emergency SMS is part of the standard 999 service which has been designed specifically for people with hearing loss or difficulty with speech.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, talking to someone can help. There are support services that offer free confidential help:
Men can call Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm) for non-judgemental information and support.
If you are under 19, you can call Childline for support, no matter what problems or dangers you are facing. You can contact them at any time of day or night on 0800 1111. You can also talk to a Childline counsellor online.
If a pharmacy has the ASK FOR ANI symbol on display, this means they are ready to help. Approach a member of staff and ASK FOR ANI. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you want a 999 police response or to speak to a domestic abuse support helpline.
If there's an adult or friend you can trust, have a chat with them about your questions or worries. They might be able to put your mind at rest or give you some useful advice.
If you’re the victim of rape or sexual assault, the police and other organisations are here to help. Call 999 to report a rape or attempted sexual assault, as soon as possible after the crime.
is when someone deliberately hurts or injures you. They might tell you it is your fault, or that they are punishing you, but this is not okay.
is when you are forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity. You could be sexually abused or assaulted by someone you know, or are in a relationship with, or it could be a stranger.
can be hard to escape a relationship when it feels like someone has control over you. Once you've realised that you are being abused, try these steps to get out of the relationship:
