Abuse and safety

Abuse is anything another person does that's meant to cause harm. But it's not always easy to know what's abuse or what to do about it. Find out about the different types and how to get support.

Teenage boy sat on the grass looking at his phone

Emotional abuse

When someone always puts you down, shouts at you or makes you feel bad, this is emotional abuse.
Teenage boy lying on a bed

Physical abuse

This is when someone hurts you on purpose. Get info and where to find support.
spotlight-47576_exp_2027-08.jpg

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is never your fault, if you’re experiencing it or you know someone who has then we’re here to help.
Teenage girl sat on a bed

Rape and sexual assault

This is when someone is forced, pressured or tricked into taking part in a sexual activity with another person.
35332-exp-2025-08.jpg

Sexual harassment

We have advice on sexual harassment and where to turn for support.
spotlight-47431_exp_2027-04.jpg

Neglect

If you’re not getting the important things you need at home, you could be being neglected.
spotlight-47635_exp_2027-08.jpg

Domestic abuse

Get support and advice if you're worried about abuse in your family or your relationship.
42003-exp-2026-01 900x506.jpg

Female circumcision, FGM, and cutting

FGM is when a girl's genitals are cut away. Learn your rights and where to get help.
spotlight-47440_exp_2027-08.jpg

Making a safety plan

If you’re feeling unsafe at home or in a relationship, a safety plan can help you know what to do in the future.
A young person sat a table with an open book

Breast flattening

Flattening breasts to stop them growing is abuse and it's wrong. We've got advice to help.
A young person sitting on the edge of a bed, holding their hands on their lap. They seem unsure.

Child trafficking and exploitation

Support and advice if you or someone you know has been affected by child trafficking or exploitation.
A close-up photograph of a child's hands.

Forced marriage

Forced marriages can happen in secret and can also be planned by parents, family or religious leaders. It may involve physical abuse, sexual abuse or emotional abuse.
spotlight-43645_exp_2027-04.jpg

Getting through a tough time

If you’re struggling with something that’s happened, we’ve got some advice to help.
A young girl sat with her arms wrapped around her legs

What is abuse?

Abuse is when someone hurts you or doesn’t look after you. If you’re confused or worried, there are ways to get support and we’re here to help you.
spotlight-11450_exp_IP.png

Getting help

It can really help to talk to someone you trust. Find out about getting help.

Your letters about abuse and safety

ask-sam-spotlight.png

confusion | Ask Sam

i recently broke up with my boyfriend. we only dated for 5 months, but he was my first for a lot of things, including sex. However since this one thing happened between us, i havent...
ask-sam-spotlight.png

My mum and dad emotionally abuse me | Ask Sam

hi sam, my mum and dad need to understand boundaries. they always expect more when i have nothing left to give, sometimes i get scare coming home because they will have gone through...
ask-sam-spotlight.png

Can you get raped by someone younger than you? | Ask Sam

I am not asking for legal advice as I know you aren't a lawyer, but I was hoping for some general guidance. I am 16 years old and a 13 year old forced me to have sex with him. I would...
ask-sam-spotlight.png

Maybe I'm worrying about nothing ... | Ask Sam

I don't really know how to word this, please hear me out. I am a white girl and I was SA'd by a boy in my class (he groped me twice, he said it was an accident, but other people there,...