Are you at risk right now?
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If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you’re having a mental health crisis and need urgent help, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.
What is abuse?
Abuse is often about power. It’s when a person uses power to get you to do things you don’t want to do, causing mental or physical harm. Here are some different types of abuse:
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Physical abuse
Being hurt physically by someone for no reason.
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Emotional or psychological abuse
Trying to control or hurt your feelings, like always ignoring you, putting you down or saying mean things.
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Verbal abuse
Saying, shouting or writing horrible things about you.
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Neglect
Not being looked after properly or kept healthy, like not giving you enough food.
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Sexual abuse
Being touched where you shouldn’t be, kissed or forced to have sex when you don’t want to, often by someone older than you.
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Online abuse or cyberbullying
Any type of abuse that happens online, like through online gaming, social media, text messages, emails or online chats.
Abuse isn’t always carried out by a stranger. It can be someone you know. This can make it hard to speak up. If your family or others close to you don’t know about the abuse, they’ll think it’s safe to leave you with this person. That’s why they need to know as soon as possible.
If you’ve been abused, you might:
- be wary of adults
- find it hard to trust people
- have problems making and keeping relationships
- have difficulty concentrating
- find that you are more irritable or emotional
- do worse at school
- have difficulties with trust when entering sexual relationships in the future
- have low self-esteem, become depressed or anxious
- be vulnerable to self-harm
Having one or more of these issues isn’t necessarily the result of abuse. But if you know you’ve suffered abuse, it’s important to get help straight away.
How to get help for abuse
Abuse is always wrong and it must be stopped. It’s horrible while it is happening, and it can affect your life later on. If you’re experiencing abuse, talk to someone. They can help make it stop. The sooner you talk to someone, the less likely it is you’ll have problems later in life.
Start by speak to a friend or family member. If that’s difficult because they know the abuser, speak to someone else you trust, like a teacher or faith leader.
You can also speak to your GP. Even if your GP knows this person, they will be able to help you.
If you don’t feel you can talk to people you know, call a helpline.
Get help now
Below are some services and helplines that can support you if you’re experiencing abuse.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
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LoveRespect
LoveRespect is run by Women's Aid.
It provides a safe, anonymous space, for 14-24 year olds to gain more understanding of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
It offers resources for you and your friends if you’re experiencing domestic abuse, including identifying abuse, isolation, asking adults for help, mental health impacts, and more.
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Victim Support
Offers support to anyone affected by crime; not only those who experience it directly, but also their friends, family and any other people involved.
Live webchat service available.
Offers specialist support for children and young people affected by crime through their website You & Co.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
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Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
More information and advice
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