What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse happens when someone you’re close to, like a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner tries to control, scare, hurt, or manipulate you.
Who Can Be Affected?
Anyone under 18 can be affected, whether it’s in a romantic relationship or at home.
49%
Nearly half of teenagers aged 13–17 in England and Wales have experienced violent or controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship
25%
About a quarter of girls aged 13–18 report experiencing physical abuse in their own intimate relationships; and about one-third report sexual abuse.
20%
Young people In the UK experience physical abuse from a partner and between 50% and 70% experience emotional abuse, while tech-based abuse is also common.
About 25% of adolescents report some form of unwanted sexual contact.
Intimate partner abuse is a real issue for many young people and often unrecognised.
What Does Abuse Look Like?
Emotional or verbal abuse
Insults, threats, gaslighting, or feeling made to be “crazy” or “too sensitive.”
Physical or sexual abuse
Being pushed, hit, forced into sexual acts, or having your boundaries ignored.
Coercive control or tech abuse
Tracking your phone, limiting who you talk to, sharing private messages or images.
Financial abuse
Controlling what you spend, taking your money, or pressuring you into buying things.
Signs Something’s Not Right
You don’t need to have left the relationship to get help. You don’t need to have physical injuries. You don’t need to be “sure” it’s abuse.
If you’re scared, controlled, or hurt, that’s enough. We believe you. And we’re here.
You might be experiencing abuse if:
You feel afraid of someone close to you.
You always have to “walk on eggshells” to avoid angering them.
They monitor who you talk to, online or in person.
They’re forcing or guilt-tripping you into doing things you’re not comfortable with.
You Deserve Respect & Safety
Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, care, and respect, no matter your age or situation. Abuse is never your fault and never okay.
What You Can Do
In immediate danger?
Call 999 and ask for the police. Use silent solution by pressing 55 if you can’t speak
We can provide support and help through our specialist Young Persons Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) and Groups and Programmes if you are over 16 and live (or go to school or college) in North Lincolnshire.
Need to talk?
Childline (for under‑18s) free, open 24/7
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The Mix (under‑25s) or visit themix.org.uk
You Are Not Alone.
If something doesn’t feel right in a relationship, listen to your gut. You deserve safety, support, and kindness, always.