What is abuse?

Abuse is when someone hurts you or doesn’t look after you. Abuse can come in lots of different forms. If you’re confused or worried, there are ways to get support and we’re here to help you.

Content warning: This page contains descriptions of different kinds of abuse, including physical and sexual abuse.

On this page

Types of abuse
Ways to get support
Help starting the conversation
What happens if I tell?
Worrying about someone else

Types of abuse

There are lots of different kinds of abuse:

Physical abuse

This is when someone hurts you or someone else on purpose. Nobody has the right to hurt you, and it’s never your fault if they do.

Emotional abuse

If someone is constantly putting you down, ignoring you, or making you feel like you’re not good enough then that could be abuse. Emotional abuse isn’t always easy to recognise, but we’re here to help.

Sexual abuse

This is when someone is forced, pressured, or tricked into taking part in something sexual. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone and can also happen in relationships.

Neglect

This is when a child or young person doesn’t get the care, attention, or support they need to be safe, healthy, and happy. Every child and young person deserves to have enough care, food, clean clothes, and a safe place to live.

Domestic abuse

This can be when someone hurts, threatens, or bullies you at home or in your relationship. The legal definition of domestic abuse can change based on where you live , but you always deserve to feel safe and respected in any relationship.

Child trafficking

This is when you’re forced, tricked, or talked into leaving your home to go to another place or country. You might be then made to work or do things against your will.

Ways to get support

If you’re worried about what’s happening to you or someone else, there are loads of places you can go to for support:

School

You could tell a teacher, the school nurse, or anyone who works in the school who you feel safe with.

Your doctor

You can visit your doctor about anything that’s worrying you, that includes feeling unsafe at home.

Childline

You can talk to Childline online or on the phone any time. Find out more.

Another adult you trust

This could be a family member who’s not involved, someone you get support from, or an adult you feel safe with.

Not sure if you’re being abused?

If you’re not sure if what’s happening is abuse, then it’s best to talk about it. You can speak to an adult you trust or a Childline counsellor about what’s happening any time.

Help starting the conversation

There’s no right or wrong way to start a conversation. We’ve got some tips that might make it easier:

Decide who to speak to

Think about an adult you trust to talk to, this could be someone at school or someone you feel safe with.

Plan the best time to talk

Decide on a time and place when you’ll feel safe to talk and won’t be disturbed. You could even ask for a private time to speak.

Keep a diary of what's happening

If it’s safe to, try to write down what’s happened and when. This can help when you’re talking to someone to show what’s been happening.

Share things in a message or letter

Sometimes it can feel easier to writing things down, especially if you’re worried about starting a conversation. Try our letter template if you’re not sure what to say.

Think about what you want

It can help to say what you want to happen, and to ask what will happen next when you do tell someone.

We’ve got lots of advice on things you could say to start it off, and it’s important to remember that you can share as much or as little as you feel able to.

Get support

You can talk to Childline about any worry, by phone, 1-2-1 chat, email and Sign Video.

What happens if I tell?

We can’t say exactly what will happen if you speak to someone, but if you’re worried you can ask what might happen before you say anything. Remember, talking to someone isn’t about getting anybody into trouble, but it can help you get the support you need.

If you speak to someone who’s in a position of authority, like a teacher or someone at school, they may want to pass what you’ve said onto your school’s safeguarding lead. That will be to help make sure you’re getting the right support.

People like your teachers should always talk to you about what they’re going to do, and it can help to ask any questions and think about what you’d like to happen.

Talking to Childline is confidential, you can find out more about what that means here.

Need some advice?

Find out about asking an adult for help

Worrying about someone else

It’s not always easy to tell whether something is abuse. If you’re worried about something you’ve seen, or someone is behaving differently to usual, then it’s good to support them.

There are lots of ways you can help someone when you’re worried. It’s important to:

Let them know that you care and say if you’re worried about them
Give them time to talk, and listen to them without judging of blaming them
Help them get support from an adult, or if they’re not ready then help them speak to us
Tell an adult you trust if you’re worried about someone’s safety, even if they don’t want you to
Get support for yourself if you’re struggling

If someone is in immediate danger or it’s an emergency, you should always call 999.

Want to help a friend?

Check out our tips and advice.