Abuse

You probably don't go around hitting or shouting at people at school or at home so you shouldn't put up with it yourself.

It can also be upsetting and confusing if you see this kind of behaviour going on with the people around you and you're not sure what to do or where to get help.

There's lots of help and support available to help you recognise when it's happening to you or the people you know and how to deal with it.

Domestic abuse is any form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse by a family member, a girlfriend or boyfriend, an ex, someone you're in a close relationship with or have had any kind of relationship with in the past.

It's things like verbal insults, threats, being criticised or put down all the time, being hit or having sexually contact you're not happy with or don't agree to.

Victims of domestic abuse tend to be girls and women but boys and men can suffer too and there's help available for everyone.

Physical abuse is when someone means to hurt you – it's not an accident.

This kind of abuse causes physical pain or an injury, anything from marks and bruising to bleeding and broken bones. Abuse includes pushing, slapping, biting, hitting, kicking, burning or holding you when you want to get away.

Don't let anyone tell you it's not serious – all abuse is unacceptable and all abuse is against the law.

Help

Abuse is never ok and you don't have to put up with it. You can get help with the confidence you need to make the right decisions and break out of an abusive relationship by visiting the Directgov website designed just for teenagers called This is abuse (opens in a new window).

If you're affected by abuse at home you can call the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline 'Stop Hurting' on 08000 198 668 and talk to a trained counsellor or leave a message for someone to get back to you.

You can Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058 for help with domestic abuse or find out more about the services we provide by visiting the Derbyshire County Council (opens in a new window) website.