Safety

You have the right to feel safe all the time. It's not your fault if people are hurting you. If you don't feel safe, talk to someone you trust, or contact one of the support services in the More information section.

Feeling safe means living free from abuse, bullying and violence. That includes watching someone else, like a friend or family member, suffer from violence or abuse.

Violence or bullying is when one person does something to hurt another or make them afraid. It can be physical, such as hitting, kicking, unwanted touching, any sexual contact you don't want; it can be verbal, such as name calling or threats; or it can be stalking.

Violence is against the law. You don't have to put up with it at home, at school, or in a public place. If you don't feel safe, talk to someone you trust, like a parent, friend, relative, youth worker, teacher, doctor or school counsellor.

Emotional conflict can also have a big impact on the family, especially emotional conflict between parents. This can include putting each other down, avoiding, shaming or insulting each other. Teenagers from separated families are very aware of these things.

If the conflict between your parents is upsetting you, you can talk to someone about it. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your parents or friends, try using one of the support services listed in the More information section.