Bullying & Abuse
Abuse means using something for a wrong use. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, or a combination of any or all of those. Neglect is also a form of abuse.
1. Neglect
Neglect is probably the hardest type of abuse to define. It is when parents or guardians don't take care of the basic needs of the children who depend on them. Neglect occurs when a young person doesn't have adequate food, housing, clothes, medical care, or supervision. Emotional neglect happens when a parent deliberately doesn't provide enough emotional support or attention to a child. But it's not neglect if a parent doesn't give a young person something he or she wants, only if they don't give them what they need to grow up healthily.
2. Physical
Physical abuse is when people use things including hands to hurt people physically. It is often the most easily spotted form of abuse. It may be any kind of hitting, shaking, burning, pinching, biting, choking, throwing, beating, and other actions that cause physical injury.
3. Sexual
Sexual abuse is any type of sexual contact between an adult and anyone younger than 16 or any sexual contact with someone who does not want it. Sex is meant to be enjoyable and is not meant to harm or upset people.
4. Emotional
Emotional abuse can be more difficult to pin down because there may not be physical signs. Emotional and verbal abuse involves words being used in the wrong way. It happens when yelling and anger go too far or when parents constantly criticize, threaten, or dismiss young people until their self- esteem and feelings of self-worth are damaged. Emotional abuse can hurt and cause damage just as physical abuse does. It is not true that "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me!"
Recognise It
Now you know about all the different types of abuse you will find it easier to recognize in your own life and the life of your friends.
Sometimes though abuse is kept very secret. Therefore sometimes it is easier to recognize the effects of abuse.
The effects of abuse can make you:
- Feel bad about yourself
- Have Trouble sleeping
- Affect your appetite
- Stop you from being able to concentrate
- Feel depressed
- Drink a lot or take drugs to block out memories, thoughts or emotions
- Feel guilty
It is not your fault.
People who have been abused often feel guilty embarrassed.
It is important that you know that it is not your fault.
Abuse can stop. There is hope.
Everyone can learn to stop abusing and there is always a way out of a horrible situation.
Don't keep quiet. You have a choice.
You do not have to keep quiet. Talk to someone. Someone you trust. If you don't feel like you
Where to Find Help...
If you've been abused or you are worried that someone you know has been abused then...
Tell someone!
- Your doctor/GP
- a counsellor
- a school teacher
- a school nurse
- a parent
- or come and tell us...