About abuse
What is abuse?
The word abuse simply means the mistreatment of something or someone, and it takes many different forms. It is likely that you have come across it at least once in your lifetime, perhaps without even recognising it.
People experience and deal with abuse in many ways, and some become so used to it that they begin to feel that it is normal, and should be accepted as something they have to put up with.
The most common types of abuse include emotional, physical, sexual and neglect. For more information on these and others, take a look at our map & links page, where you can find a list of organisations that can provide you with further information.
Whilst it can seem like the suffering you or a friend is going through will continue forever, it is important to remember that there are services like this one that are dedicated to helping you find a way out. As well as this, although you may feel as if you are completely isolated, there are many people who are in the same situation as you are right now.
The most important thing to remember is that many people have been where you are and felt like you do, but with help have escaped the abuse that used to have a hold over their lives.
In order to show how people can and have beaten abuse, we have put together some past stories that people have written (and very bravely let us use). The stories talk about their personal experiences, and what they did to get help. Recovery stories
If you have a story about how you got through an abusive situation and would be willing to send it in to help others we would be very grateful. We guarantee the anonymity of anyone who wishes not to be named.