Domestic Abuse
Babies, children and young people who see or hear grown-ups arguing can be very upset even if they don’t show it. They can feel scared, lonely and confused. Even very tiny babies can get frightened when they hear loud or cross voices and arguments, and this can affect their health and development. During pregnancy domestic abuse may get worse.
If you are pregnant you may not think that arguing or any violence is harmful to your unborn baby, however we know that unborn babies are more likely to be born early, or have an infection if this is happening. You may also be more likely to suffer a miscarriage.
NSPCC says domestic abuse is “any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship.” Domestic abuse can happen in any relationship and is not only physical violence. It can include emotional, physical, sexual, psychological (how someone thinks and feels), or financial abuse. Something called coercive controlling behaviour is also part of domestic abuse. This involves your partner controlling everything that you do, everyday. Some people do not even know they are being controlled in this way.
Things You Can Do To Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, talking to someone can help. There are support services that offer free confidential help:
• Leeway 0300 561 0077
• National Domestic Violence helpline 0808 200 0247
• Norfolk Children's Advice and Duty Service (CADS) 0344 800 8020
If you are a child or young person, you can call Childline for support, no matter what problems or dangers you are facing. You can contact them at any time of day or night on 0800 1111. You can also talk to a Childline counsellor online: *Click Here*.
Who Can Help?
If you are in immediate danger call 999.
You can also contact a member of the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.