Be aware – look out for each other Abuse Awareness Be aware – look out for each other

Types of abuse The  definition of abuse is “a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another" There are many different types of abuse and they all lead to behavior towards a person that deliberately or intentionally cause harm physically and mentally.  These behaviors can have 5 different forms: -Physical -Sexual -Emotional -Financial -Psychological

Physical abuse -This is the most common type of abuse - It can include punching, hitting, slapping, kicking, strangling, or physically restraining a partner against their will. -A survey that was taken between 2014 and 2015 showed the percentage has risen each year at an alarming rate especially during the 2018 World cup as physical abuse rose to more than 38% when England lost.

Sexual abuse -It can involve rape or forced sexual acts or withholding or using sex as a form of punishment. -This can also happen to children within an abusive household. - Statistics show that 1 in 6 children between the age of 11-17 have experienced sexual abuse. - 2017 is the year that has had the highest record for sexual abuse within the U.K that has been reported to the police.

Emotional abuse The effects of verbal/emotional abuse are harder to spot. -In 2014 the U.K. saw an increase in emotional abuse by 38% in the U.K. -This includes degradation , threats, isolation and making a person feel inferior.

Financial abuse Abuse is about power and control, an abuser will use any means necessary to maintain that control. -This includes finances.  -It involves controlling all of the money coming into the household and not allowing the victim to have access to their own bank accounts or spending money. 

Psychological abuse -Psychological abuse is when one partner, through a series of actions or words, wears away at the other’s sense of mental wellbeing and health. -Psychological abuse can affect your inner thoughts and feelings. This can involve using explicit language or words to make their partner, wife or child feel mentally exhausted. - This also includes things such as using a trauma bond, displays of power and threats.

Victims of abuse can get support from the following helplines:

https://www. themix. org https://www.themix.org.uk/ they have a free helpline open every day 11am-11pm (0808 808 121) Teen Connect (13 to 18 years) Tel: 0808 800 1212 Teen Connect is a helpline for 13-18 year-olds living in the Leeds area.  They offer up to an hour of support either by phone or online chat. The helpline is open 6pm-2am every night.

Safeguarding team within college Sarah Dumont (PAM) – Safeguarding lead Helen Pattison (PAM) – Deputy safeguarding lead Mrs O Connor – Student support manager Charlotte Anderton - College Counsellor (please go to Moodle and self refer to arrange an appointment)