Children and Young People
Do you ever feel afraid to go home? Is someone making you do things you don’t want to do? Find out how to get help.
Children and young people can be affected by abuse too, either from their own partners, peers, or family members, or by witnessing abuse in their home.
Children and young people can experience all types of abuse covered by this website e.g. female genital mutilation, forced marriage, sexual violence, or abuse from their partner. Children and young people can also be hurt by seeing or being involved in violence and abuse between adults.
You don’t have to put up with anything that makes you scared, upset or uncomfortable, there are lots of people who can help you. It is never your fault, and you will be believed.
If this is happening to you, there are things you can do to help keep yourself safe. Click here to find out how.
Read more of Amy’s story on The Hideout’s website
Main contact for help
ChildLine
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor online, send ChildLine an email or post on the message boards.
0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk
Advice and resources
- Unity Website
- Stay safe online (YouTube)
- This is abuse advert on YouTube
- Dealing with a crisis – easy read
- Surviving sexual abuse – easy read
- Sexual abuse of girls – easy read
- Surviving rape – easy read
- CRUSH Referral Form
- CRUSH Weekly Breakdown
- CRUSH Flyer
People who can help
If you are scared of someone or afraid of what they might do to you, there is help available.
Next Link- Young People’s Advisor
16 years+? Think you might be experiencing abuse in your relationship? Next Link have a Young People’s IDVA (independent domestic violence advisor) called Faiza. She can meet with you to offer help and advice.
For:
Anyone 16yrs +. Next Link are the city’s main domestic violence charity. They offer lots of support but for young women specifically, their Young People’s IDVA is the person to speak to.
Telephone:
0117 925 0680
11-24 (WISH)
1:1 support and group programmes for young people experiencing or using violence/abuse.
0117 9038632
Independent Sexual Abuse Advisor (ISVA)
Service for victims of rape and sexual assault, both recent and historic.
0117 925 0680
The Hideout
Online space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it’s happening to you.
Unity
Unity is a way for young people in Bristol to find free help and advice on relationships, sex and contraception
Crush
The CRUSH programme is for 13-19 years olds
- Supporting up to 10 victims in each group
- A closed group and members attend each week.
- Has prescribed focus each week – help to understand how to recognise and avoid abusive relationships, how to leave a relationship which is unsafe and how to manage any exposure to domestic abuse within your home environment
The programmes focus is on both emotional and practical support including; self-esteem, confidence, coping strategies, skills and competencies, building friendship network, independence, ambition.
To access this and other groups please contact the telephone advice helpline 0177 925 0680
BASE
Free and confidential advice, information and support for young people at risk of sexual exploitation or who are in an unsafe sexual relationship.
0117 934 9726
www.barnardos.org.uk/basebristol
Off The Record
Free and confidential information, advice and counselling on all issues, including sexual health for young people aged 11 – 25.
0808 808 9120
Platform 51 – Bristol Young Women’s Centre
Free counselling and informal education groups for young women aged 13 – 30 on a low income.
0117 963 8775
SARSAS
Free and confidential information, advice and counselling for girls and women who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
0808 801 0456
NSPCC FGM helpline
If you need advice or information about female genital mutilation or are worried about a child at risk you can contact us 24/7 on 0800 028 3550 or fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
"I felt confused, I knew what was happening was wrong but I also didn’t know what was right. I had never been told what was normal in a relationship and I didn’t realise that it’s ok to say no and that he should have respected that."
Amy