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Abusers
take advantage of being more powerful than their victims -
they may be physically or mentally stronger, they may be older
and more able to influence other people, or they may have
a 'special status' because they are relatives, or teachers,
or priests, friends, or lovers. Sometimes abusers rely on
the fact that their victims will not tell anyone that the
abuse has happened.
There are various kinds of abuse
- Verbal
- Physical
- Emotional
- Sexual
The
effects of any kind of abuse can be very damaging to the way
someone feels about themselves. It can have a very destructive
effect on confidence. The effects are not necessarily related
to the number of times someone has been abused, or to the
amount of physical damage caused. Just one incident of abusive
behaviour can traumatise someone and destroy their confidence.
Very often people who have been abused are left feeling that
it is their fault and that they have 'brought it on themselves'
or 'asked for it'. Abuse can carry on for years, and it is
frequently kept a secret.
If you are being abused, or you know someone else who is,
or if you are abusing someone and you really want to stop
doing it, the first step may be to talk to someone - either
someone you feel you can trust, or someone who is quite separate
from you, your friends or your family. There are some suggestions
below…
For
more information about abuse try:
For
other sources of help:
- Juniper
Lodge (0116)
2733330 24 hrs/day, 7days/week - call back service
Help and support for women who have been sexually assaulted
or raped, recently or in the past
24 hour helpline
Medical examination by a male or female doctor
Option to report to the Police
Support and counselling
A confidential information and referral service
- First
Step (0116) 255 8863
mondays 7pm-10pm
Answerphone at other times
Free and confidential support for adult male survivors of
sexual abuse and their supporters.
- Lamp
Direct
- Samaritans
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