Children and Young People worried about Domestic Violence

All relationships whether those within the family or with a partner can have their ups and downs! Sometimes however relationships can become clearly unhealthy when for example one person is trying to control another or acting in a violent way.

Violence in a relationship may be physical but it can also be emotional, sexual, mental or economic (being in control of someone else’s money). Violent and unhealthy relationships are damaging in a number of ways. People can become anxious or depressed and feel overwhelmed with the situation and do not know who to turn to for help. Often people experiencing violence within a relationship or who are witnessing it at home begin to blame themselves and can feel that they don’t deserve anything better.

This is wrong. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and care and if this isn’t happening either through domestic violence within the home or within a relationship there are agencies that can offer confidential advice and a safe place to go.

Take a look at some of these websites that have specific information aimed at young people:

www.thehideout.org.uk
www.there4me.com
www.survivedv.org.uk