Physical Abuse
When someone deliberately injures you, this is known as physical abuse. It is not your fault, and you need to get help to make it stop. It does not matter who is doing it and why they may say they are doing it; it is not okay. Childline say that anybody can be physically abusive and may do things such as:
- Hitting, kicking, punching, shaking or shoving you.
- Throwing or hitting you with objects.
- Pulling your hair.
- Biting or scratching you.
- Burning or scalding you.
- Suffocating you – covering your face or mouth so it is hard to breathe.
- Giving you medicine when you are not ill or don’t need it or making you swallow something that could hurt you.
Childline have 5 things for you to remember:
- No matter what the reason, physical abuse is always wrong
- Physical abuse may make you feel powerless but remember being hurt is never your fault and there are people who can help.
- It is not your fault
- You might think telling someone could make it worse, but getting help, can keep you safe.
- If you are in immediate danger, you can call the police on 999 and they will come to help you.
Talking about abuse is difficult. But it helps. Telling someone what’s going on means you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Most importantly, telling someone can help stop the physical abuse. It also means you can start to live a life that’s happier and safer.
Childline has a 24/7 helpline call free on 0800 1111 or log in for a chat with a counsellor or visit their website for further information and support.
Your schoolteachers and support staff in your school have been trained to help with these issues and know where you can get help.