- How does domestic abuse make you feel?
- Does domestic abuse affect children and young people as well as adults?
- Am I living with domestic abuse?
- Will I have to leave home?
- What is living in a refuge like?
- What if my dad wants to see me?
- What if my mum wants to go back home?
- Will I lose my friends?
- Will I have a normal life?
- I feel like I’m on my own
- What can I do?
- How do I keep myself or my family safe?
How does domestic abuse make you feel?
Domestic abuse can make different people feel different things. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Domestic abuse can sometimes make people feel:
- Sad
- Insecure
- Frightened
- Useless
- Trapped
- Lonely
- Angry
- Confused
- Guilty
- Ashamed
Sometimes if a person is very upset about what is happening to them, they might feel ill in their bodies too (e.g. get tummy aches, headaches, nose bleeds, etc.)
Does domestic abuse affect children and young people as well as adults?
Yes, it can affect children and young people too, usually if they are living with abuse at home. Hearing or watching a parent hit or frighten the other can make young people feel frightened themselves. Sometimes the abuse can also include children getting abused themselves or getting hurt while trying to protect another person from abuse. Whatever the case, domestic violence is not okay but it is not your fault. You deserve and have a right to live a life free from abuse.
Am I living with domestic abuse?
Being a mum or dad can be difficult and sometimes parents get annoyed or upset about things. When mums, dads or guardians argue with each other however it does not always mean it is domestic abuse: many parents or guardians have arguments then make up and work things out.
If you are not sure though and think there might be something wrong, or if the arguing and upset happens quite a lot, you can click on the What is Domestic Abuse? link to find out more.
If you think it is abuse you are experiencing then it is not okay, but don’t worry! There are lots of things people can do to find help when it is the right time for them to do so.
