On this page, we talk about supporting children and young people who experience
Violence or abuse is when someone:
- hurts you
- scares you
- controls you.
There is support available if the information on this page upsets you.
You can find out more on our page about support.
How violence or abuse affects children and young people
Children and young people can experience violence or abuse when:
- it happens to them
- they hear it or see it.
Violence or abuse can make children and young people feel:
- unsafe
- scared
- worried
- sad.
When children and young people experience violence or abuse, they can also react in different ways.
Children and young people might:
- try to stop the violence or abuse and put themselves in danger
- blame themselves for the violence or abuse
- have problems at school or work
- run away from home.
Children and young people might also:
- use drugs or alcohol
- stop eating
- have problems sleeping or talking.
Children and young people might also try to end their own life.
If the violence or abuse happens for a long time, some children and young people might start to think that it is okay.
They might think that they can treat people with violence or abuse too.
How to support children and young people
There are many ways that you can support children or young people who see violence or abuse happening.
You can talk to children and young people and tell them:
- they should not put themselves in danger
- the violence or abuse is not their fault
- they have people who care about them
- they have support around them.
You can also remind them that:
- they need to talk to people with respect
- they cannot fix problems with violence or abuse.
You can support children and young people by helping them plan what to do when the violence or abuse happens.
For example, work out how they can get out of the house quickly when the violence or abuse is happening.
You can also help them choose:
- who they can call if something bad happens
- a safe place to go, such as a neighbour or friend’s house.
Children and young people can also contact Kids Helpline.
Kids Helpline is a phone counselling service that is open:
- 24 hours a day
- 7 days a week.
It is never your fault if you have experienced the bad behaviour we talk about on this page.
We are sorry that this has happened to you.
The first thing you should do is make sure you are safe.
If you or someone you know is in danger, call Triple Zero.
000
We have a section on this website about how to call Triple Zero.
You can find out more on our page about a guide to call Triple Zero.
You can contact 1800RESPECT for support.
You can call them.
1800 737 732
You can talk to someone online.
You can send them a text message.
0458 737 732
If you send them a text message, you can just send the word ‘HELLO’.
You can leave your partner if this is where you are experiencing the bad behaviour.
For example, your boyfriend or girlfriend.
You can find out more on our page about how to be safe when you leave a relationship.
If you are not ready to leave your partner, you can still make a plan about how to be safe.
You can find out more on our page about when you are not ready to leave a relationship.
You can get support from your friends and family.
It is a good idea to tell them:
- what they can do to help you
- to focus on what you need to feel safe.
You can keep proof of the person’s bad behaviour if it safe for you to do so.
You can give this proof to the police if you decide to contact them.
You can start to manage your own money so you can leave if or when you want to.
You can find out more on our page about managing your own money.
You can share what is happening to a government organisation.
For example, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
AHRC is an organisation that makes sure people treat others:
- fairly
- equally.
You can call a helpline.
Helplines are phone numbers that will connect you to people who:
- care about what you are going through
- can give you good advice.
We have a list of helplines on our website.
You can find out more on our page about helplines.
You can work with someone to explore how you think and feel.
This can help you:
- reach goals
- feel safe
- learn skills
- understand what happened to you.
You can find out more on our page about counselling.
You can learn more about the rules about how people must treat you:
- fairly
- equally.
You can find out more on our page about your rights.
You can think about what you can do to care for yourself.
You can find out more on our page about caring for yourself.
You might have experienced the bad behaviour from someone who did a service for you.
For example, from:
- a health professional
- someone who cleaned your house.
You can talk to the person who organises your services if this has happened to you.
