Is It Normal? – Recognising Abuse & Getting Help
Sometimes relationships can be tough. It’s normal for fall outs and arguments to happen with families, friends and other people you know. It’s also common to have times in all relationships (family included) when things just don’t feel easy or “right.” In most cases people manage to work through these times without hurting each other, even if the solution is moving on.
There may be times when you’re not sure if what’s happening to you in a relationship is okay. You might have doubts about how a family member, friend or even someone you’ve met online is treating you. If you feel scared or worried about other people’s behaviour towards you this might be abuse.
Abuse can take on many different forms and it can sometimes be difficult to recognise – many abusers are good at hiding what they do, making it seem normal or even making their targets feel like they’re in some way to blame. It can be even more difficult to identify when it’s carried out by someone your trust or love. Most children and young people who are hurt in this way know the person who hurts them.
Abusers can be male, female, other, adults, or other children and young people. It can happen over a period of time but can also be a one-off. It can be physical, sexual or emotional and it can happen in person or online. It can also be a lack of love, care and attention – this is neglect.
You can read more about abuse and safety at CHILDLINE HERE.
If you’re concerned about how a partner (a boy/girlfriend – or even just someone casual) is treating you please CLICK HERE for more information about healthy and unhealthy relationships.
If you’ have ANY DOUBTS about how someone is treating you please ask us a question, or access one of the services below. You will always be believed.
You can contact the following places for help, someone will always listen:
- A Guidance or PCS teacher
- Any other adult that you trust – like a youth worker, school nurse or pupil support worker
- The police – on 111, or if it’s an emergency and you need immediate help call 999
- You can also find support at Childline on their website or by calling them on 0800 1111