Worried about things at home?
- Do you feel unsafe at home?
- Are you or someone else hurt by a family member?
- Do things happen in your family that you know aren’t right?
Knowing whether what’s happening is normal or not can be really confusing. If a grown-up threatens, hurts or bullies someone else in the family, it is not normal and is called domestic abuse. Knowing this can be hard to deal with but it’s important that you remember it is never your fault. Domestic abuse happens within the family. Relationship abuse is when your boyfriend or girlfriend is under 16 and doing things that would be considered abusive.
Different forms of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse (sometimes called domestic violence) can include:
- Physical violence – such as hitting, kicking, pushing, punching or pulling hair.
- Threatening behaviour – this could include threatening to hurt you, someone else in your family or even a pet. They could also threaten to do things such as refuse to pay for food or bills.
- Sexual violence – this includes making another person do something sexually that they don’t want to do, or making them look at or watch sexual material in magazines, the internet or television.
- Controlling someone’s money – this could include taking someone’s money, not allowing someone to spend their own money, or not providing enough money for basics such as food, clothing or items for babies.
- Controlling someone’s life – this might include stopping someone from leaving the house or going to work or school. It can also include controlling who someone spends time with and who they can be friends with.
- Cultural or ‘honour’ based violence – sometimes people can be hurt or punished for doing something that’s viewed as culturally unacceptable by a community or family. This can include being forced to marry someone.
Check out the TidyMinds ‘Different Ways Children and Young People can be Hurt or Abused’ page for more information.
National helplines
Live Fear Free Helpline
Providing help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Call – text – live chat – email. 0808 80 10 800
Live Fear FreeLocal support - Swansea
CHYPS - Swansea Women's Aid
The children and young people’s service (CHYPS) offers support to 5 – 17 year olds who’ve been affected by domestic abuse.
Services include:
- One-to-one support
- S.T.A.R. group work
- S.T.A.R. club
- Parenting workshops
Tel: 01792 644683
Email: LConte@swanseawa.org.uk
Swansea Women's Aid
Domestic Abuse Hub
The Domestic Abuse Hub brings together Swansea Council and its partners in health, police and the third sector to help children and families experiencing domestic abuse, or escalating relationship problems.
Domestic Abuse Hub
Hafan Cymru
Hafan Cymru’s Children and Young People’s Support Workers assist young people who have are at risk of or have experienced domestic abuse.
Tel: 01792 34571
Email: verity.hayes@hafancymru.co.uk
Local support - Neath Port Talbot
Thrive Women's Aid - Neath Port Talbot
For 40 years, Thrive Women’s Aid has provided a haven for women, children and young people in Neath Port Talbot, helping them rebuild their lives and regain their independence in safe communities.
Thrive Women's Aid
Useful links & resources
The Hideout
Women’s Aid have created this space to help children and young people understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it’s happening to you.
Visit The HideoutOver 18?
If you’re over 18 and were hurt or abused as a child, or if the abuse is still happening, click on the link below for info and support available to you.
Learn more