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.
You can speak to Tameside:
- Under 18s phone 0161 342 4150
- Over 18s phone 0161 342 2400
Try these websites:
- Off The Record provide a counselling service.
- MRC provides help to rape victims. Their confidential helpline is 0161 273 4500
- NCDV 0844 8044 999
- Childline has information on Domestic violence and abuse. You can also contact them on 0800 1111.
- 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:
- Hiddenhurt
- Mensadviceline a helpline for male victims - 08008 801 0327
- Dad.Info - If you feel that there is a threat of violence, either by you or your partner, you should both seek help immediately.
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.
Women's Domestic Violence Helpline 0161 636 7525 provides general advice and access to emergency help.
In an emergency, ring 999 for help from the police or ambulance service.
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 Relationships Weblinx for more useful websites.