"You're not on your own" says brave young person
Help for young people experiencing domestic abuse
A Hertfordshire teenager, who witnessed her mum suffer domestic abuse at the hands of her step-dad, is encouraging other young people - who may be going through a similar experience to get support
The teenage girl has taken the brave steps to share her experiences of domestic abuse in a bid to help other teens who are watching their family or friends suffer. Domestic abuse can involve a pattern of controlling behaviour and can include verbal, physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse.
Sarah Taylor, who is the Programme Manager for Domestic Violence for Hertfordshire’s County Community Safety Unit, said: “If you’re watching someone you care about experiencing domestic abuse, you must remember it’s not your fault and you’re not to blame. There is help available in Hertfordshire and you’re not alone. There is so much support available for you, so please don’t suffer in silence.”
Her family no longer live with the perpetrator after seeking help from the services that are available in Hertfordshire, and they’ve now able been able to rebuild their lives. She says: “Everyone assumes that you are on your own and no-one's going to understand. There are people that understand and they may be closer to home than you think. If you do know someone that can support you then obviously go to them, because if you deal with it on your own, you just can’t cope. You’ve got to find support."
She continues: “It is easy to find it…you’re not on your own. You can change your life for the better…. it’s not the end, there can be a happy ending to it. So go and get support, find the help. Don’t put up with it, you don’t need to, so just don’t do it.”
Getting support
In Hertfordshire there are lots of ways you can get help if you are concerned that you, a family member, or friend is a victim of domestic abuse and this doesn’t have to involve the police.
- You can call the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08 088 088 088 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm). It’s an independent charity with trained workers who’ll be able to provide you with advice. The helpline is FREE to call from landlines and will not show up on any telephone bill. Remember, always dial 999 in an emergency.
- You can also log on to the Herts Sunflower website with a special section, just for children and teenagers, which has information and advice to help you and links to other web pages. Click here.
Other family support