Abuse is when someone takes advantage of power they think they have over you. It can be physical, emotional or sexual abuse. It can also be about neglect. It can create all sorts of feelings including fear, anger, guilt or shame and it can be very confusing if the person who's hurting you is someone you love or look up to.
Domestic violence is usually abuse, threats or violence from one person to their partner or ex.
REMEMBER if this is happening to you, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT
Don’t keep it to yourself – tell someone you trust. There’s always someone who can help you. You can get help too if it’s happening to someone else in your family. Talk to a friend, family member, teacher, youth worker, personal adviser or one of the organisations below. Some agencies may have to act on what you tell them – they’ll explain this to you.
- Endthefear provides help to Manchester residents experiencing domestic abuse.
- MCR provides help to rape victims. Their confidential helpline is 0161 273 4500
- Childline have information leaflets on Domestic violence and Child abuse. You can also contact them on 0800 1111.
- There4me is aimed at 12 to 16 years old and has advice or you can ring the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.
- Careline provides a national counselling helpline on: 0845 122 8622, Monday – Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm and 7.00pm – 10.00pm.
- The Hideout has information on domestic abuse.
- BBC has information on relationships and domestic violence.
- Broken Rainbow 08452 60 44 60 provides help for Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people.
These sites might be useful if you are a male who’s been abused:
There are various helplines that you can contact depending on your situation:
National Domestic Violence helpline - 0808 2000 247 provides general advice and 24 hour access to emergency accommodation.
Manchester Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 0161 636 7582 provides general advice and access to emergency help.
The HOSLA project provides advice and support for Asian women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0161 455 0227.
Lesbian Community Project 0161 273 7128 provides general advice for lesbians and bi-sexual women.
Male - a helpline for male victims - 0845 064 6800
In an emergency, ring 999 for help from the police or ambulance service.
You might also like to check out Radio 1's Bullying section of their website.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. You could also go to Weblinx for more useful websites.