Dealing with violence in the home

Here are some tips for children on how to deal with GBV in the home:

• Take care of yourself. Never get involved in a fight with the abusive person as you can get hurt.

• Know that the violence is not your fault and don’t get drawn into the situation.

• How adults respond to their relationship problems is their choice, but violence is never OK.

• How you’re feeling about the situation is normal. You can love the abusive parent, but not their behaviour. It’s normal to feel confused or frustrated, or have mixed feelings.

• Always take note of what’s happening and how you feel about it. Prepare yourself to tell your side of the story if you have to.

• Always have the phone numbers of trusted people you can talk to about the situation. Also have the numbers of the police and places offering counselling and support.

• Talk to a trusted adult about the situation. Don’t listen to someone who tells you not to tell anyone. Remember, it affects you too.

• Children living in an abusive home can be taken to places of safety where they will receive care and protection.

• If the abuse involves or affects you directly, report it. Keeping it a secret does not help as the abuse will continue and may even get worse.

• If you think a friend or peer is having problems at home, speak to them about it. Always remember that his/her safety is important and that he/she needs to talk to a trusted adult for help.