Domestic abuse is aggression or violence that happens in the home when a grown up attacks or threatens another adult in the family.

Domestic abuse can happen in all sorts of relationships and types of families. In half of the cases of abuse between adults, children and household pets get hurt too. Even when children do not see the abuse happening, they often hear it. In nine out of ten cases, children are in the same or next room when the abuse is going on. This can be extremely distressing and disturbing for them. People can feel small, worthless and bullied for no reason.

A full fact sheet on domestic violence is available to download on the ChildLine website.

If you are the victim of violence at home, or if you see or hear it happening, tell someone.

There are organisations that will listen and help you if you have suffered domestic violence, neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse:

• ChildLine - Helpline 0800 1111

• Newsround
• The Hideout