Domestic violence is when abuse happens between 2 people in a relationship. Abuse is when one person hurts or bullies another person physically, sexually or emotionally. In most cases of domestic violence the victim is a woman, but it can also affect men too.

Usually domestic violence is long-term abuse that gets more serious and severe the longer it goes on for. The abuser in most cases is trying to make their partner feel bad about themselves and frightened.

What you should do if you or someone else in your house is suffering any kind of domestic abuse:

• Keep yourself safe, find somewhere to hide until the abuse has ended
• Only try to help the person being abused if it doesn't put you at risk
• Call the police or ambulance service (if needed) on 999
• Talk to someone you trust, maybe a friend, relative or teacher
• Talk to your Dr they can help give you advice and connections to help groups
• Call a national helpline such as Childline on 0800 1111

For lots more useful information you can open the document below. It tells you about domestic abuse, what you should do, who to contact and much more. The document is courtesy of The Greater London domestic violence project.

Date Updated: 18/07/08

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