Jems Foundation highlights the plight of abuse
Remember that it's never okay for someone to hurt you or threaten to hurt you. The best thing you can do in this situation is to remove yourself.
In light of the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Child Abuse, founder of Jems Foundation, Melina Singh, highlighted the plight of domestic violence. Domestic violence, or family violence, is abusive or intimidating behaviour in a relationship. There are many types of domestic violence, including social, physical, sexual and emotional.
“If you’re being subjected to domestic violence, there are a number of organisations that can offer you help and support. An abuser may exert control by down playing the seriousness of what they’re doing to you. As a result, it’s easy to underestimate the amount of danger you’re in. It’s vital to protect yourself from harm if you feel that you’re being abused. Making a decision to leave a situation where you feel unsafe may be hard and scary. If possible, talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, counsellor or youth worker. If you feel unsafe, talk to the police. They’re there to protect you. You can also call state and territory support lines.”
If someone is hurting you, or threatening to hurt you, it can be hard to maintain your self-confidence or feelings of self-worth. Remember that it’s never okay for someone to hurt you or threaten to hurt you. The best thing you can do in this situation is to remove yourself.
“Recognising that there’s a problem is the first step in getting help. The second is to know that you’re not alone. If you need to get out fast, you have a number of options. A shelter or refuge is a place where you can seek temporary accommodation while you sort out your next steps. There are also usually other services available, including legal advice, emotional support, practical help (such as food and clothing), and good security. If you can, get in contact with a trusted family member or friend and ask if you can stay with them while you work out what to do next.”
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