Scared? Need Advice?
Need help now?
I’m in danger... If you are in immediate danger please phone 999
I think I’m being abused...Click on the links below to access advice and services to keep yourself safe.
I think I’m being sexually abused... Sexual abuse can be one or several of the following:
- touched in a way you don't like
- forced to have sex (oral, vaginal or anal)
- forced to look at sexual pictures or videos
- made to watch someone doing something sexual. This can include someone flashing or exposing themselves to you
- made to do something sexual to someone that feels uncomfortable or wrong.
If this is happening to you, you might think that it's your fault but it isn't.
No-one has the right to sexually abuse you, even your boyfriend or girlfriend. You must tell someone because there are people who can help you. If you have said yes to something in the past, you do not have to say yes to it again. You can always decide to say no.
www.childline.org.uk and 0800 1111
Relationship abuse / Domestic Violence (DV) / Partner exploitation and violence
Click here to read more about relationship abuse and what some young people in SW London have to say about it.
No-one deserves to be abused by a person they love or people they live with. Domestic violence is any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people who are or have been in a relationship, or between family members. It can affect anybody, regardless of their gender or sexuality. Violence in young people’s relationships is always taken seriously. If you are forced to change your behaviour because you are frightened of your boyfriend or girlfriend’s reaction, it is likely you are being abused.
The violence can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional. It can include honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. It can also include the exchange of money.
Male on female violence
www.refuge.org.uk
0808 2000 247
National DV helpline open 24hrs per day
Domestic violence within LGBT relationships
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
0300 999 5428 (Monday and Thursday 2pm - 8pm and Wednesday 10am - 5pm)
Offers support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence. Phone-line staffed by community members
Men experiencing domestic violence
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
0808 801 0327
The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
Sexual assault and rape
It’s important to tell someone as soon as possible about the assault because this way you will get the support you need. Talk to someone that you trust and feel comfortable with, such as a parent, friend, teacher, keyworker, youthworker, social worker or doctor or you can also speak to someone at The Havens, specialist centres for people who have been assaulted.
Camberwell Haven 020 3299 1599
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal in England and is a child protection issue.
If you are afraid that you or a girl that you know is at risk of any form of FGM, talk to someone you trust who will take action to report it immediately. You can also get advice and support from Forward.
www.forwarduk.org.uk Helpline 0208 960 4000 open Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Sexual bullying
Sexual bullying is bullying behaviour that is either physical or non physical, and is based on a person’s sexual life or gender. It can be carried out in various ways; to the person’s face or behind their back or online or via mobile phones. It may involve peers using sexual words to put someone down; making threats or jokes about serious and frightening subjects like rape; talking about someone's sex life - spreading rumours about their sex life; and laughing at someone because something sexual has or has not happened to them.
You can get more information from the Beat Bullying website
http://www.bbclic.com
As a young person, you are entitled to confidentiality. However, the professional people you talk to might need to speak to someone like a social worker if they are worried about your safety or that of a young person you’re involved with. They will talk about this with you, so tell them if you have any worries. They must take your worries seriously.
