Domestic and family violence can affect young people in all different ways...
Yes, it is completely normal to feel emotions like anger, sadness and confusion when you have experienced unsafe situations at home. It doesn't mean something is wrong with you. Lots of young people feel this way. What matters most is having support while you work through it. You are not alone.
Why do I feel this way?
Confused
Tired
Is it normal?
Guilty
Anxious
Sad
Angry
Stressed
I don't feel anything... Is that normal?
Yes, sometimes when things have been really overwhelming, your brain goes into “numb mode” to protect you. You're not broken. This is something a lot of people experience following stressful or scary events. Seeking support or talking to someone may help you feel better.
Did you know that it can be common for someone experiencing domestic violence to experience...
Young people who experience domestic and family violence can also often experience:
![Rectangle_97[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc34c4_99f9848f6b7144fa98fb0400529d53a9~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_812,h_648,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/Rectangle_97%5B1%5D.png)
Headaches
Stomachaches
Fatigue
Bruising
Injury
Bedwetting
Nightmares
![Physical_Effects[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc34c4_dee255f244f8451699845411d96bf111~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_285,h_68,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Physical_Effects%5B1%5D.png)
![Rectangle_98[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc34c4_40610220854240e0af292c2ab8d015ff~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_812,h_648,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/Rectangle_98%5B1%5D.png)
Feeling anxious
Self-blaming
Feeling numb
Poor self-esteem
Low confidence
Feeling angry
Feeling depressed
![Emotional_Effects[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc34c4_03d006051ff449dd901e7a5a6245baf5~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_316,h_68,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Emotional_Effects%5B1%5D.png)
![Behavioural_Effects[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc34c4_085306bb989047a1ada644915b825a20~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_345,h_68,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Behavioural_Effects%5B1%5D.png)
![Social_Effects[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc34c4_5ca7b6a14f5846f09535f99b854ffbcd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_243,h_68,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/Social_Effects%5B1%5D.png)
Difficulty focusing
Substance abuse
Self-harming
Age regression
Aggressive or abusive behaviours
Hypervigilance
Maladaptive daydreaming
Social withdrawal
Difficulties trusting people
Social avoidance
Attachment difficulties
Clinginess
Disconnect with peers
Fear of abandonement
It's important to know there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to feel. Everyone experiences things differently. What is most important is how you deal with those feelings. Talking to someone, doing things you love and recognising when you need help are all very important because... you matter.
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A friend
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A teacher
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A doctor or nurse
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A counsellor
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A police officer
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A trusted adult
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A sports coach
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A religious or spiritual leader
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An online helpline
If you need someone to talk to, you can try:
