Because of the nature of abusive relationships sometimes victims don’t know that what is happening to them is wrong. If you’re not sure whether your relationship is abusive, complete this questionnaire.
If you think domestic abuse is having an effect on you, your child or a child you know, there are plenty of services available to provide help and support. Locally you can contact the Torbay Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS).
Help is also available from Women's Aid, the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline and Men's Advice Line. Help and support for men, women and children in Torbay who need protection from domestic abuse and or sexual violence can also be found at the areyouok? website
In the majority of families where there are children and where abuse is taking place, the children will be aware of this, and will often hear it or see it going on. According to the Department of Health, at least 750,000 children a year witness domestic violence and abuse. In some cases, the children themselves will suffer physical or sexual abuse from the same person.
Children react in different ways to being brought up in a home with a person who abuses others. Age, race, sex, culture, stage of development, and individual personality will all have an effect on a child's responses. Most children, however, will be affected in some way by the controlling behaviour of an abuser, by witnessing arguments, distressing behaviours or assault.
Domestic abuse can have a huge impact on children and their development, no matter what their age. Children don’t have to directly witness domestic abuse or violence to be affected by it. Many children are often aware of domestic abuse much earlier than parents may realise.
Children may:
You can find out more about domestic abuse and violence, and the impact it can have on children at the Women's Aid website.
