{"id":20483,"date":"2022-11-10T14:22:24","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T14:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/?page_id=20483"},"modified":"2025-11-11T09:00:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T09:00:42","slug":"i-feel-trapped","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/","title":{"rendered":"I think I&#8217;m trapped with them"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"20483\" class=\"elementor elementor-20483\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b0c6ec4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b0c6ec4\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8742e7f\" data-id=\"8742e7f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72b70e9a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"72b70e9a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h1>I think I\u2019m <strong>trapped with them<\/strong><\/h1><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey\">\u00a0<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6357efff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6357efff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>On this page:<\/h2><div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#selfcare\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">Self care<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#howcanikeepmychildrensafe\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">How can I keep my children safe?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#whathappenswhenireachoutforhelp\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">What happens when I reach out for help?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_separator_no_text vc_sep_color_grey\">\u00a0<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21982a4c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"21982a4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-786386c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"786386c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"selfcare\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"#selfcare\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Self care<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Remember, you are not alone. Women\u2019s Aid is\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chat.womensaid.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here for\u00a0<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">you<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fand ready to support you, and there are lots of things you can do to help support yourself through difficult days.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">These tips offer some useful information, tools and exercises\u202fto let you take a moment for yourself and give you some time to relax, help you process what you are experiencing and think about further support you may need.\u202fEvery woman will have different experiences of abuse, so some of these tools may be useful and others may not be useful at all. You may find it helpful to pick a couple of exercises that feel natural for you and come back to them to practice, it may take a few goes for you to feel the benefit of them.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are able to, take time and space for yourself each day:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">This could be something as small as getting up a few minutes earlier so that you have time that is completely yours at the start of the day.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Treat yourself gently:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Despite what you may have been led to believe, you are worthy of being loved. You deserve to feel happy and safe. Always be kind to yourself.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Take regular exercise:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you can take time out of your day, regular exercise will give you time for yourself and help you build confidence. Try something you enjoy like swimming, dancing, walking or climbing.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learn a new skill or do something creative:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Creative skills will give your mind a break and bring some calm into your day. You could try yoga, meditation, drawing or writing.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Practice relaxation exercises:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Simple breathing exercises like breathing in fully for five seconds, holding briefly and breathing out gently for five seconds will help you release tension from your body.\u202f\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If these don\u2019t feel useful to you, you could try some of the advice from the following resources:\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/survivorsforum.womensaid.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Women\u2019s Aid Survivors\u2019 Forum<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, a safe, anonymous space for women (over 18) who have been affected by domestic abuse to share their experiences and support one another.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/get-involved\/campaign\/deserve-to-be-heard\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Women\u2019s Aid Deserve To Be Heard campaign<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Deserve To Be Heard highlights the experiences of survivors of domestic abuse and the effects abuse can have on mental health. Reading about the experiences of others can help you to feel less alone.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wgn.org.uk\/sites\/default\/files\/inline-files\/Self%20care%20guide.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Women and Girls Network\u2019s Self-Help Resource Guide<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. This guide includes information on identifying ways to cope that work for you, creating support and self-care tools and tips.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chayn.co\/resources\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Chayn\u2019s resources<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Chayn\u2019s resources have been created by survivors and experts and are available in multiple languages and formats. This includes\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloom.chayn.co\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bloom<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, a private, supportive space with courses written and checked by survivors, allies, mental health support workers and therapists from around the world.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-785a9846 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"785a9846\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b45b081 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b45b081\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"howcanikeepmychildrensafe\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"howcanikeepmychildrensafe\" class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 id=\"howcanikeepmychildrensafe\"><a href=\"#howcanikeepmychildrensafe\">How can I keep my children safe?<\/a><\/h2><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">As a mum living in an abusive relationship, you\u2019ve probably been trying to shield your children from abuse\u202fas much as possible.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">A<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">\u00a0high proportion of\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW45647783 BCX8\">children living with domestic abuse\u202fare themselves being abused by the same abuser<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW45647783 BCX8\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">But research has shown that talking to children about what\u2019s happening can help them to feel less worried, confused and angry.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">T<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">alk<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">ing<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">\u00a0to your children about abuse<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">\u00a0is\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">not an easy task and if you have any concerns or worries, don\u2019t hesitate to\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW45647783 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.womensaid.org.uk\/?fbclid=IwAR2rH9qoZBlm0fVpJpcZyFMcoYX4PLHVDANjdv4nCXiq3sMOMgZfMlWH8w8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW45647783 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">get in touch with us<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW45647783 BCX8\">. We are alongside you every step of the way.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW45647783 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a98dda8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"a98dda8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1771\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1771\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">It's good to talk<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1771\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1771\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your child, or a child you know, tells you that they have been abused your immediate response is very important.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Listen carefully and let your child tell you what happened in their own time.<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reassure your child that they are not to blame for what happened (or is happening).\u202f<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Let your child know they are very brave to tell you about it.<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Show your child that you are concerned for them.<\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Try to stay calm and not let your child see your shock.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1772\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1772\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How to talk to children about abuse<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1772\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1772\"><ul><li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Do talk to your children \u2013 and really listen to them.\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Most children will appreciate an opportunity to acknowledge that abuse has been happening\u202fand talk to you about how they are feeling. In the early stages of starting a conversation, they might find it easier to draw their feelings rather than name them in words. Remember, your children will naturally trust you. Try not to break that trust by directly lying to them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Try to be honest about the situation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fin an age-appropriate manner. Take care not to frighten your children but reassure them that what has happened\u202fis not their fault and that they are not responsible for adult behaviour.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Explain to them that abuse\u202fis wrong<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fand that it does not solve problems. It can help your children to form better relationships in future if you model the boundaries for them now.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Keep the conversation going.\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Encourage your children to talk about their feelings and wishes for the future through drawing, talking and writing. Your child\u2019s teacher or social worker may be able to help you think about some appropriate activities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Don\u2019t rush things<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Sometimes children need to wait until they feel safe and are no longer in the violent environment before they start to talk about their feelings.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Encourage your children to talk about their wishes and feelings<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. You could suggest drawing or writing about what is happening and how you both feel about it. Sometimes children will wait until they feel safe and are no longer in the violent environment before they start to talk about their feelings.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tell them where to get more information.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f Services like\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Mix<\/span>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Barnardos<\/span>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">can support younger children. You could suggest that your children look at the Women\u2019s Aid website for children and young people,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Love<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Respect<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is Women\u2019s Aid\u2019s dedicated website for young people ages 14+.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Teach them how to get emergency help.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fShow them how to dial 999 but make sure they are aware that they aren\u2019t responsible for protecting you if you are being attacked. You should also teach them the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Silent Solution<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">, where a caller can press 55 to tell the 999 operator that they are in an emergency and can\u2019t speak out loud. They can also contact 999 in BSL for free by visiting\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the website or downloading the app<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Praise them.\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fHelp to boost their self-esteem by regularly giving them lots of praise, attention and affection.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ask for help.\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Show your children that asking\u202ffor help is a good thing and try to model this by reaching out yourself so they can see that there is no shame in seeking support.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1773\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1773\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is it my fault?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1773\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1773\"><p><strong>No.<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>\u202f<\/strong>Only the abuser is responsible for the abuse.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You are never to blame for someone else\u2019s abuse.\u202fSeeking help is a big step and a positive step to take as a parent.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As someone who has experienced abuse, it is important that you are supported so that you can help your children, ensuring they are safe and have the right support to start their recovery.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1774\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1774\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How will my children be affected by domestic abuse?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1774\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1774\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We recognise that this is a difficult question to ask and applaud you for taking the first steps to consider the answers. If you\u2019ve been struggling in an unhealthy relationship, you\u2019ve probably been doing all you can to shield your children from the effects of it \u2013 and perhaps hoping they haven\u2019t noticed what\u2019s been going on.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Unfortunately, we know that in most families where domestic abuse is happening, children will be fully aware of it \u2013 often hearing and\/or seeing a great deal<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0They are dependent on the adults around them to keep them safe and if they don\u2019t feel secure in their own homes, this can have negative physical and emotional effects which can continue into adulthood.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The impact of abuse on children has been recognised in recent legislation, with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognising children affected by domestic abuse as victims in their own rights. This includes children who see, hear or experience the effects of the abuse and are related to the perpetrator or victim.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At Women\u2019s Aid, we know it can be hard to protect your children, and we are here to support you without blame or shame. You are not responsible for the abuse.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We\u2019re here to support you by providing you with as much information as possible about the ways your children might be impacted. The better informed you are, the better you will be able to find ways to support them.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We collaborate with experts to learn effective ways of helping children process trauma and begin recovery, offering emotional and practical support through our specialist services.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1775\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1775\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Children witness domestic abuse in different ways<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1775\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1775\"><div id=\"1667924959380-e726b401-d56d\" class=\"vc_tta-panel vc_active\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may be in the same room and get caught in the middle of an incident, sometimes in an effort to make the violence stop.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may be in another room but still be able to hear the abuse or see physical injuries following an incident of violence.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may be forced to take part in abusing the victim.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"1667924986166-f1543111-3a29\" class=\"vc_tta-panel\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1776\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1776\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Children react to domestic abuse in different ways<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1776\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1776\"><div id=\"1667924986166-f1543111-3a29\" class=\"vc_tta-panel vc_active\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"28\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Age, race, disability, sex, culture, stages of development and individual personality can all have an effect on a child\u2019s responses.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"28\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Most children will be affected in some way by tension when witnessing arguments, distressing behaviour or assaults \u2013 even if they do not always show this.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"28\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Children may feel that they are to blame, or \u2013 like you \u2013 they may feel angry, guilty, insecure, alone, frightened, powerless, or confused. They may have feelings of love\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">and<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0hate, both towards the abuser and the non-abusing parent.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"1667925010405-e3c397d2-3b33\" class=\"vc_tta-panel\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1777\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1777\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Common emotions and behaviours in children who have witnessed abuse<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1777\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1777\"><div id=\"1667925010405-e3c397d2-3b33\" class=\"vc_tta-panel vc_active\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Children often feel guilty, believing the abuse\u202fis somehow their fault and thinking they should be able to stop it in some way. These feelings can impact school attendance and achievement because some children become frightened of what might happen if they leave the house and so attempt to stay at home to protect their mother. Anxiety can also lead to disturbed sleep patterns and a lack of concentration which can affect schoolwork.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Abuse\u202fmay also interfere with children\u2019s social relationships because they feel unable to invite their friends round (or may be prevented from doing so by the abuser) out of shame, fear or concern about what they might see.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You might recognise some behaviours your children are demonstrating from this checklist below:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may become anxious or depressed\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may have difficulty sleeping\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may have nightmares or flashbacks\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may complain of physical symptoms such as tummy aches\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may start to wet their bed\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may have temper tantrums\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may behave as though they are much younger than they are\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may have problems at school or may start truanting\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may become aggressive\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may internalise their distress and withdraw from other people\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may have a lowered sense of self-worth\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Older children may start to use alcohol or drugs<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may begin to self-harm by taking overdoses or cutting themselves\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may develop an eating disorder<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"1667925064222-b1b9aba9-e085\" class=\"vc_tta-panel\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"vc_tta-panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"vc_tta-panel-title vc_tta-controls-icon-position-left\">\u00a0<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1778\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1778\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">My child is being aggressive<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1778\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1778\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When experiencing abuse themselves, children may become aggressive or abusive towards you or others in the family. This can be temporary and it\u2019s usually a sign they are struggling to process abuse.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">They may find it useful to get support:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themix.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Mix<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">support service for young people, providing support for under 25s for anything from mental health to homelessness.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngminds.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">YoungMinds<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is a charity fighting for children and young people\u2019s mental health. They also run the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngminds.org.uk\/parent\/parents-helpline\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Young Mind\u2019s Parent helpline<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fon 0808 802 5544.You can also contact them via their webchat, Typetalk or Text Direct. Multilingual interpreters are available.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">However, if the aggression is ongoing and support is not helping, you may need to do something to protect yourself and other children in the family \u2013 particularly if your child is a teenager or older. If your child is abusive towards you or your family, you should not feel guilty about taking steps to protect yourself and your family. A severely aggressive or abusive child can have a negative effect on the other children in the family and needs expert help themselves.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may decide to contact social services. If your child is over 16, you have the right to evict them from your home and it is social services\u2019 responsibility to carry out a needs assessment under the Children Act 1989.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If social services can\u2019t help, try to get this in writing. You can also contact the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.childrenslegalcentre.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Children\u2019s Legal Centre<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0\u202for email\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:email:%E2%80%AFinfo@coramclc.org.uk\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">info@coramclc.org.uk<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.frg.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Family Rights Group<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0may also be able to help. They advise parents, grandparents, relatives and friends about their rights and options when social workers or courts make decisions about their children\u2019s welfare. They offer advice, advocacy and campaigns for families whose children are involved with or require social services care. They also provide helpful advice sheets on all aspects of dealing with social services. They are available on 0808 801 0366.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.familylives.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Family Lives<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0provide support to parents under stress, can make local referrals, and have a forum for parents. They are contactable on 0808 800 2222 or on their live chat available.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1779\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1779\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Protecting your child from harm<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1779\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1779\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your child is at risk of further abuse (for example, if you are still living with the abuser, or if your children have regular contact with them) then there are steps you can take to protect them from further harm.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can seek information and support from Women\u2019s Aid by speaking to a support worker through our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chat.womensaid.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Live Chat<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0service.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may want to talk to your local\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">domestic abuse service,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"auto\">who may have specialist support your children can access. If social services are involved, your local domestic abuse service may be able to give you some support or advocacy with the social worker. You could also call the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge) on 0808 2000 247 to help you decide what you should do next.\u202fThe Helpline has access to multilingual interpreters and can also be accessed via the BT Type Talk Service. The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk\/en\/bsl\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">BSL helpline service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Remember: Social workers will not take your children away if they can work with you to make sure they are safe.\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The aims of children\u2019s social services is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need in their area. They aim to promote the upbringing of children by their families by providing a range and level of services appropriate to those children\u2019s needs. The services may be provided to the particular child in need or any member of the family if it is with a view to safeguarding and promoting the child\u2019s welfare.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-17710\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-17710\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Child contact and legal support<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-17710\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-17710\"><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Legal processes and going to court can be daunting but there are rules that need to be followed in domestic abuse cases involving children.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Before going to court, you might want to seek legal advice.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/rightsofwomen.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Rights of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Women<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fis an organisation which provides free legal advice on domestic violence and abuse; finances and property; relationship breakdown and arrangements for children. They have various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rightsofwomen.org.uk\/get-advice\/call-our-advice-lines\/\">helplines<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fwhere you can get free advice on topics such as family law and criminal law. Some of the helplines have access to multilingual interpreters and you can also get in touch using the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rightsofwomen.org.uk\/contact-us\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">NGT Lite Text Relay app.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0They also have lots of useful information on their\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rightsofwomen.org.uk\/get-information\/family-law\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, including:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"25\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rightsofwomen.org.uk\/get-advice\/family-law-information\/family-court-proceedings-where-can-i-get-advice-and-support\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Family Court proceedings: where can I get advice and support?<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"25\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rightsofwomen.org.uk\/get-advice\/family-law-information\/children-and-the-law-the-family-court-process\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Children and the law: the family court process<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"25\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rightsofwomen.org.uk\/get-advice\/family-law-information\/children-and-the-law-domestic-violence-and-practice-direction-12j\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Children and the law: domestic abuse and P<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rightsofwomen.org.uk\/get-advice\/family-law-information\/children-and-the-law-domestic-violence-and-practice-direction-12j\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">ractice Direction 12J<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">The PD12J is guidance that the family courts should be following when it comes to domestic abuse cases. You could make your solicitor or legal advisor aware of this if they aren\u2019t already.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Coram Children\u2019s Legal Centre\u2019s\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/childlawadvice.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Child Law Advice Service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202falso provides legal advice and information on child and family issues. They have a helpline which offers advice on 0300 330 5480. If English isn\u2019t your first language, they also have access to multilingual interpreters via Language Line.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Prohibited Steps Orders\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A Prohibited Steps Order is a court order which prohibits the other parent from doing a certain action or exercising some of their parental rights. For example, you might want to look into obtaining a Prohibited Steps Order if your perpetrator has made threats to remove your child from your care or take them out of the country against your will.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may want to seek some legal advice for guidance around Prohibited Steps Orders. Your\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/womens-aid-directory\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">local domestic abuse service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0may have legal advice or be able to help you access this. You could also reach out to\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvassist.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DV Assist<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for support.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Moving abroad and the Hague Convention<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may have moved abroad with your abusive partner and children, and are now hoping to return to the UK or you may have moved to the UK with your partner and children and are considering returning to your home country. This is a complex area of law and we would strongly urge you to seek legal advice if possible.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whether you can move abroad will depend on where your child is \u2018habitually resident\u2019. If your partner wants your child to stay where they are habitually resident and has parental responsibility, you may need to apply through court for permission to allow the child to leave the country. If your partner gives permission for you to return to the UK\/your home country with your child, we would advise you to get this in writing officially through a solicitor.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you decide to\u00a0leave with your child without your partner\u2019s permission, you may be required to return your child to their habitually resident country, and you risk getting taken to court for child abduction.\u00a0This is due to laws under the Hague Convention; a treaty designed to secure the return of any children who have been removed from the country without the other parent\u2019s permission.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/childlawadvice.org.uk\/information-pages\/abduction\/)\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Child Law Advice<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0have further useful information about child abduction and the Hague Convention.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If it happens that you are unable to leave with your child and are \u2018stuck\u2019 in the UK or another country, there is still support you can access.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalarrk.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Global Arrk<\/span><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">are a charity who support parents who have moved abroad and cannot return with their children. They have information, support and may know of International Lawyers they can recommend.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6898fce9 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"6898fce9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-283639b5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"283639b5\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-10fcb76d\" data-id=\"10fcb76d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e67d53c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e67d53c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"whathappenswhenireachoutforhelp\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"#whathappenswhenireachoutforhelp\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What happens when I reach out for help?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/h2><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We know talking to someone else about your personal life can be hard and thinking about your future can be overwhelming, but getting in touch with someone can be your first and most important step.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can get in touch with<\/span>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">a fully trained advisor through the <a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/\">National<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Domestic Abuse helpline.<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you think you might be in danger, call the police immediately on\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"tel:999\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">999<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/999bsl.co.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">999BSL<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I think I\u2019m trapped with them On this page: Self care How can I keep my children safe? What happens when I reach out for help? Self care Remember, you are not alone. Women\u2019s Aid is\u00a0here for\u00a0you\u202fand ready to support you, and there are lots of things you can do to help support yourself through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":580,"featured_media":20928,"parent":7001,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1855],"tags":[1140],"class_list":["post-20483","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-survivors-handbook","tag-the-survivors-handbook","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>I think I&#039;m trapped with them - Women\u2019s Aid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Survivor\u2019s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse and feeling trapped.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"I think I&#039;m trapped with them - Women\u2019s Aid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Survivor\u2019s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse and feeling trapped.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Women\u2019s Aid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-11T09:00:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2107\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"897\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/\",\"name\":\"I think I'm trapped with them - Women\u2019s Aid\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-10T14:22:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-11T09:00:42+00:00\",\"description\":\"The Survivor\u2019s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse and feeling trapped.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png\",\"width\":2107,\"height\":897,\"caption\":\"I-think-I'm-trapped-with-them\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"I need help &#8211; information and support on domestic abuse\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"The Survivor&#8217;s Handbook\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"I think I&#8217;m trapped with them\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/\",\"name\":\"Women\u2019s Aid\",\"description\":\"Until Women and Children are Safe\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Women\u2019s Aid\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/WA-Logo.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/WA-Logo.svg\",\"width\":365,\"height\":86,\"caption\":\"Women\u2019s Aid\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"I think I'm trapped with them - Women\u2019s Aid","description":"The Survivor\u2019s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse and feeling trapped.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"I think I'm trapped with them - Women\u2019s Aid","og_description":"The Survivor\u2019s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse and feeling trapped.","og_url":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/","og_site_name":"Women\u2019s Aid","article_modified_time":"2025-11-11T09:00:42+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2107,"height":897,"url":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Estimated reading time":"15 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/","url":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/","name":"I think I'm trapped with them - Women\u2019s Aid","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png","datePublished":"2022-11-10T14:22:24+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-11T09:00:42+00:00","description":"The Survivor\u2019s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse and feeling trapped.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/I-think-Im-trapped-with-them.png","width":2107,"height":897,"caption":"I-think-I'm-trapped-with-them"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-feel-trapped\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"I need help &#8211; information and support on domestic abuse","item":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Survivor&#8217;s Handbook","item":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"I think I&#8217;m trapped with them"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/","name":"Women\u2019s Aid","description":"Until Women and Children are Safe","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#organization","name":"Women\u2019s Aid","url":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/WA-Logo.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/WA-Logo.svg","width":365,"height":86,"caption":"Women\u2019s Aid"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20483","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/580"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20483"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20483\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7001"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20483"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20483"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20483"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}