Help and support for children

Domestic abuse is when one grown up hurts or bullies another grown up who is or was their partner.

This might be husband and wife, or boyfriend and girlfriend. Mostly, it’s the man who hurts the woman, but sometimes it’s the other way around. It can also happen in same sex relationships – where both people are men, or both people are women.

Remember, if a grown-up in your house is hurting another grown-up, or is hurting you, it’s not your fault, whatever they tell you. You don’t have to be the person who stops the abuse, or keeps someone else safe.

If you’re worried about the grown ups you live with, you can call one of these numbers, and talk to someone about it.

If you or someone in your home has been badly hurt, or you are really worried, you can call the police on 999. They will ask you what’s happened, and for your address, and send someone to your house to help.

Childline 0800 1111

There is always someone answering this phone, even if you call in the middle of the night. Calls are confidential, and are free from your mobile phone. They also won’t show up on any phone bills, so no-one will know you’ve called them. If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, you can call their text phone service on 0800 400 222 during the day, or look at their website www.childline.org.uk.

Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247

Like Childline, there’s always someone answering this number. It’s specially for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and can help to find a refuge you and your brothers and sisters and your mum can go to. You can also look at their website: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

The Hideout website

This is a website just for children. It helps you to understand what deomstic abuse is, and what you can do if it's happening to you, or one of your friends. Go to the Hideout website.

You could also think if there is anyone else you can go to for help – maybe a teacher at school who you trust, or another person in your family.