Advice

Nobody deserves abuse but it happens and in various different forms. Find out about different types of abuse here and what to do if it's happening to you...

What is it?

There are four main types of abuse:

• Neglect - "I come home to an empty house every day, there's nothing in the fridge. No one notices if I go to school or not." This is the most common form of abuse. It's when our basic needs - like food, clothing or warmth - aren't properly met.
• Physical abuse - "I wear long sleeves to cover the bruises and throw a sickie on swimming days so no one finds out." This is where someone physically hurts us, by physical punishments or any violent treatment.
  
• Emotional abuse - "My mum tells me I am a bitch. She blames me for my dad moving out." This could be a complete lack of love and attention, or too much spiteful and cruel attention.
  
• Sexual abuse - "I hate it when my uncle visits. I wish we had a lock on our bedroom door." This is when someone treats us in a sexual way or shows us sexual images, when we're under 16 years old, or when we don't want them to. Adults who sexually abuse, or want to sexually abuse, children are called paedophiles.
  

I think I'm being abused...

You must tell someone. Please. There are people who can help you. Talk to an adult you trust like a teacher or your GP. You can also call Childline for confidential advice (details below).

Reasons people give for not telling someone:

• No one will believe me
• I am scared to tell
• I don't know who to trust
• Telling someone will make things worse

Trust me. However hard it seems, some things have to be told. The consequences are almost never as bad as we imagine.

I think someone I know is being abused...

Tell an adult you trust, even if you just feel worried and don't have any proof. Keeping silent isn't helping anyone except the abuser. The NSPCC can give you lots of help and advice: 0808 800 5000 and Childline can also offer support: 0800 1111.

Can you tell if someone's an abuser?

Not by looking at them. Abusers don't all look creepy or dirty, they're often very cunning and clever and may seem normal and respectable. They may be fun, intelligent and helpful, too. Two-thirds of paedophiles are known to the people they abuse. They may be a relative or family friend. This can make it extra hard to tell someone what's going on - but it's vital that you do.

Is there anything I can do to keep safe?

Yes. Learning what abuse means is the first step. Recognising if it going on is another. But most importantly - knowing you deserve 100% better. No one deserves abuse.