Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
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Information for children and young people dealing with domestic and family violence

Violence is wrong and there is never any excuse.

If violence is occurring in your home:

  • its not your fault, whatever others might say to you
  • you are not alone - there are people who can help you.

There are a number of other websites can provide you with important information, including:

If violence is happening against you or around you perhaps you feel:

  • frightened or nervous
  • guilty or ashamed
  • confused or sad
  • angry and want to smash things, hurt somebody or hurt yourself
  • anxious or depressed
  • sick, have headaches or stomach pain.

Perhaps you:

  • don't want to eat
  • don't want to be with your friends
  • are not sleeping well and sometimes have nightmares, or even wet the bed
  • do not want to be at home or want to run away
  • don't want to do school work
  • want to drink alcohol or take drugs
  • are having trouble talking (like stuttering)
  • worry about whether your mum and family will be safe.

Perhaps you are wondering what you can do about it.

Here’s what you can do:

  • If you feel you are in danger find a phone and call the Police on 000.
  • You can tell someone you can trust like a relative, teacher or school guidance officer. Try to explain how you or your family has been hurt even though it may be hard to find the right words. If the person doesn't listen or doesn't believe you, tell someone else.
  • You can ring Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 for help. Kids Help Line is a free and confidential telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. A Kids Help Line counsellor is available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Remember that the violence is not your fault. You are not to blame for something that someone else has done wrong.

Plan to keep yourself safe

Here's some things you should consider:

  • Who do you trust that you can talk to about what is happening in your home?
  • Is there a safe place in the house you can go when the violence is happening?
  • How can you quickly get out of the house if you need to?
  • Is there a neighbour or friend who lives nearby where you can go? How will you get there?
  • Are there people you will need to ring if you have to leave home quickly? Do you have those telephone numbers written down in a safe place or in your mobile?