Young People

Domestic abuse can affect young people too. The abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional or financial.

Teenagers can be involved in abusive relationships:

Abuse not only happens when your boyfriend or girlfriend hits you.

It can be the case that they constantly put you down, they call you names, threaten you or force you to do things you don't want to, or they might not allow to get a job or to go out with some of your friends any more.

Abuse can harm you physically and emotionally as well as leaving you feeling isolated and lonely.

These are examples of abuse:

Physical: hitting, slapping, hair pulling, kicking, causing harm to your body in any other way.

Sexual: rape (sex against your will), other sexual acts against your will which degrade or humiliate you.

Emotional: making you feel afraid, using threats, not allowing you to see friends, name-calling, putting you down, constant texting, checking who you talk to or who you're friends with on-line, checking your e-mails or text messages, not allowing you to wear the clothes you like or a hairstyle you like

Financial: stopping you from getting a job, taking your money.

The adverts below will show you more examples of abusive behaviour.

If you follow this link you can get involved in live debates, check out FAQs and get information on where to go if you recognise signs of abuse in your own or a friend's relationship.

If domestic abuse is happening at home, you can talk to your teacher

The websites below also have information for young people:

You can also talk or text to the Young People's Workers at the Local Women's Aid Organisations:

Wigtownshire Women's Aid: 07738 997 914

Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women's Aid: 07710 152 772

South West Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre: 01387 253113 or 01776 889331 (you have to be 13 years or older to access this service).

Also ChildLine and the Family Protection Unit of Dumfries & Galloway Police can help:

You can have lots of on-line fun but the internet can be a dangerous place sometimes. Check out the CEOP website.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre

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