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Are you seeing domestic violence in your home? Are you involved in a dating relationship that is abusive? Maybe you just want to be informed about the issue? What ever your motivation you have come to the right place.
Domestic violence does not just  affect older people, it affects young people, kids, children and teenagers. Millions of young people each year suffer from domestic violence or witness it in their homes and environment.
For many people domestic violence is a learned behavior. This means at sometime they saw abuse happen while growing up and on a consistent basis. As children they witnessed domestic violence and later became abusive themselves.
Domestic violence or domestic abuse is not just physical. It is can be emotional, verbal, financial, psychological or sexual. So it is important to understand the signs of domestic violence, the different forms and what yout should do if you are in a violent home or even violent dating relationship.
The following resource comes from Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation
How Does it Make Me Feel?
You may live in a home where one adult physically hurts or threatens his/her partner. You are not alone. Some other kids live in homes just like yours and we're here to help you.
You may have confusing feelings. It's okay to have mixed feelings. We all feel different.
1. When there is fighting in my house, I feel _________.
1. Like it is my fault
2. Helpless
3. Alone
4. Nervous or worried
5. Scared
6. Angry
7. Guilty
8. Responsible
9. Depressed or sad
10. Like I want to hurt myself
2. When there is fighting in my house and I am scared, sad or angry, my body feels funny. Sometimes I _________.
1. Have a headache
2. Have a stomach ache
3. Have a nervous belly or butterflies
4. Feel tired
5. Feel like I can't sit still restless
6. Feel dizzy
7. Have trouble breathing
3. Sometimes I _________.
1. Don't want to go home
2. Don't want to be around my family
3. Think other people will break up my family
4. Feel confused about my feelings about my family
5. Try to keep the peace and keep quiet so I do not upset anyone
6. Feel responsible for members of my family and/or try to protect them from the abuse
Remember, you are not alone. It's not your fault!
What if You Witness Domestic Violence?
When there is fighting in your house and you have confusing feelings, think about things you like to do to feel better.
Here are some ideas:
- Write your feelings in a journal.
- Listen to music.
- Draw, paint or do some other craft or art project.
- Practice deep breathing to calm down.
- Talk to a friend, relative, teacher or counselor.
- Imagine a quiet place.
- Make a safety plan.
It is important for you to talk to a friend, a teacher, a counselor, or another adult you trust. There is help for you.
Remember, you are not alone. It's not your fault!
Visit these other pages
Healthy Relationships
Youth Resources
Forms of DV
What To Do
Hotlines
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