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Recognise abuse
Spot the signs that someone you know is being abused.
Article by : SpunOut.ie
You might not always realise that someone you know is being abused or you might have lived with abuse all your life and think it’s something normal.
Signs to look out for are:
- When you see that your friend is afraid of someone and that person acts in an intimidating or threatening way to your friend.
- If your friend is in a relationship where the other person is very controlling, always wants to know where your friend is or is very jealous.
- If you’re friend seems to do a lot of work at home or misses school a lot to mind younger brothers and sisters. Maybe when you visit there’s usually no food or your friend never know where their parents are.
- When your friend never wants to go home or is scared to go home.
- Missing school or not going out with friends without excuses.
- Bruises, marks, cuts and injuries that your friend doesn’t explain or is embarrassed about them.
- Your friend becomes withdrawn and quiet or moody. They might seem guilty or ashamed for no reason.
Helping someone who was or is abused:
- Listen to them and let them know that you’re there for them if they need to talk.
- Be prepared to hear things that will upset you or make you angry.
- Let them know you believe them and explain that it’s not their fault.
- Be patient, they might be angry, in shock, frightened or crying. Everybody reacts differently to abuse.
- Tell them that the abuse is illegal, that they should think of calling 999 if they’re in danger or that they can leave the abusive person right now if they’re ready.
- Don’t try to force them to go to the Gardai or police. You can encourage them but it’s their decision. However if it’s a child or teenager that is being abused they might want you to help. You can talk to social services or ask Childline for advice.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
