Looking for support for family abuse
If you're experiencing abuse from your family, extended family, or community, please know this: you are not alone and this is not your fault.
Abuse in any form is never acceptable. Whether it's emotional control, physical violence, threats, or pressure to marry against your will, you deserve to live safely, freely and with dignity.
We understand that when abuse is tied to family honour, culture, or tradition, it can feel isolating, confusing and scary. You might feel trapped between your safety and your family's expectations. But help is available, confidentially and without judgment.
What is family abuse?
Family abuse is when someone in your family hurts you, controls you, scares you, or makes you feel unsafe – and it’s never your fault.
Abuse can come from people who are supposed to care for you – like parents, siblings, and/or other relatives. Sometimes people use words, threats or rules to control you. Other times it can involve hitting, shouting or maybe stopping you from seeing your friends or going to school.
No matter what anyone tells you, abuse is wrong – and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Abuse can look like:
- Being shouted at all the time
- Being hit, slapped or hurt
- Being blamed for things that aren’t your fault
- Being forced to keep secrets that make you feel scared or confused
- Being told who you can or can’t talk to
- Being controlled – like not being allowed to go out, use your phone or choose your clothes
- Feeling like you’re always walking on eggshells around someone
It's OK to ask for help
You might feel scared or worried about what will happen if you tell someone. But there are safe adults who will listen and believe you and help you find a way forward.
Who can I talk to?
- Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid
- A teacher or guidance counsellor at school
- A trusted adult like a friend's parent, youth worker, or neighbour
- A GP or school nurse
- A helpline or support service
