If you are a child or young person affected by domestic violence....

If you are living with violence at home, one of the worst things can be feeling that you’re all alone and that there’s no-one who you can trust to advise you or help, or just to talk to.

You may want to talk to someone but don’t know where to turn for help.

You may have already tried to talk to someone and have felt let down by how they responded.

Sometimes people don’t want to believe that bad things are happening.

Your mum might be too busy with her own feelings, or sorting out your brothers and sisters, to notice how things are affecting you.

It’s important you don’t try to deal with this all on your own. There are people who will listen.

Domestic violence is not your fault, nor is it your mum’s. You cannot stop it happening and nor can she, by changing what you do or say. It is about power and control. Things you, or your brothers and sisters do, how your mum acts, how stressed your dad is, how hard he works, drink or drugs, are all excuses for violence, they are not the reasons for it. You may be angry with your mum for accepting what is happening. She may not be able to help it. Part of domestic violence is undermining and making people feel worthless, useless and helpless, that they deserve nothing more. Your mum may not be able to help herself.

First of all, think if there’s an adult you can trust to talk to? This could be friend’s parents, your grandparents or other relations. Or can you talk to a teacher at school?

If you cannot think of anyone, you could phone Childline on 0800 1111. This is a helpline set up especially for children who are having problems. You don’t have to give them your name and the phone call is free. You can have a look at their website now by going to: www.childline.org.uk.

There are also web sites that provide information and support for children and young people who are living with Domestic Violence:

The Hideout: www.thehideout.org.uk

Bursting the Bubble: www.burstingthebubble.com

You can also get help from the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline. Tel: 0808 800 5000 or look at their website at www.nspcc.org.uk.

Or call Jewish Women's Aid, either our free-phone Helpline on 0800 59 12 03 or the head office number on
020 8445 8060.