Abuse
Abuse is wrong.
It can take many forms and can happen to anyone at any age. It can include:
- Physical abuse (if someone deliberately hurts or injures you).
- Emotional abuse (if someone says things to scare you, put you down, humiliate or hurt you).
- Sexual abuse (if someone touches you sexually, or makes you do or watch something sexual).
- Neglect (if you’re not being looked after or not being given the important things you need to take care of yourself).
If any of these things are happening to you, it’s not your fault.
The person involved may have told you not to tell anyone – but it’s OK to talk about what has happened. If you speak out about it, there are people who care - they will listen to you and help you. Please remember that no-one has the right to hurt you or make you do anything that feels wrong.
If you or someone you know is being abused in any way - it’s important for you to talk to someone you trust and get help and support. This might be a family member, a teacher a Connexions Personal Adviser or one of the contacts below. In an emergency, you should ring the police on 999 for immediate help.
National Helplines / Websites
- ChildLine
You can talk to ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. Specially trained councillors are on hand to listen to you and offer advice and support. ChildLine is always open. Phone 0800 1111 anytime. Calls are free from a landline (and currently from all the existing networks, including 3, BT Mobile, Fresh, O2, Orange, T Mobile, Virgin, and Vodafone). Calls don’t show up on any of these bills. (Please note there is a ‘Cover your tracks’ facility if you don’t want your visits to this website to show on your computer’s history.) - The Hideout
This website helps you to understand if physical or emotional abuse is happening in your home. It also tells you what to do and how to get help if it is happening. (Please note there is a ‘Cover your tracks’ facility if you don’t want your visits to this website to show on your computer’s history.) - Rape Crisis
On this website you’ll find information about rape and sexual violence and details of your nearest Rape Crisis Centre if you need immediate support. (Please note there is a ‘Cover your tracks’ facility if you don’t want your visits to this website to show on your computer’s history.) - Survivors UK
This website provides information, support and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused. If you'd like to speak to a trained adviser, please call the Survivors UK National Helpline on 0845 122 1201 (Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm) or you can email info@survivorsuk.org
Local Helplines / Websites:
- Stoke-on-Trent Safeguarding Children Board and Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board
These local Safeguarding Boards bring together groups of agencies who work to protect children and young people from abuse and neglect If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you know, please call Stoke-on-Trent Children and Young People's Services on 01782 255100 or call Staffordshire’s First Response Team on 0800 1313126. - SAIVE (Sexual Abuse and Incest Victims Emerge)
Free one-to-one counselling, care and support for adult victims (16+) of childhood sexual abuse. Phone 01782 683133. - Staffordshire Women’s Aid
Support and refuge accommodation for women and children living with, escaping or recovering from the effects of domestic violence. Phone the 24 hour helpline on 0870 2700 123 any day of the year.
