What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is violent behaviour of any kind within a
family or a relationship. This includes one family member abusing
another or violence between a couple in a relationship.
One form of domestic violence is child abuse. This is when a
child or young person is harmed, neglected or bullied by an older
adult. You don't have to be physically hurt to be a victim of child
abuse.
If you're constantly being sworn at, teased or told that you're
unwanted, this may also be classed as emotional abuse.
Teenage relationship advice
A recent NSPCC survey showed that a quarter of girls and 18 per
cent of boys have experienced physical violence in a
relationship.
Abuse in teen relationships doesn’t just cover physical
violence. Other examples of this type of abuse include:
- pressuring a partner into having sex
- controlling behaviour
- unnecessary jealousy or anger
Remember that abuse in a relationship is never okay. Everyone
deserves to be treated with respect from their partner.
The 'This is Abuse' website (see below) has more
information about:
- what behaviour counts as abuse
- how to recognise the signs of abuse
- the organisations who can help you if you’re being abused by
your partner