Having occasional arguments or disagreements with your family is normal. But there are times when family relationships can become unhealthy. This can look like:
- constant pressure for you to take part in family gatherings that make you feel uncomfortable
- pressure to see a family member that you do not feel okay around
- falling out all the time, making you feel on edge around them
- bullying behaviour like constantly being shouted at, being left out and ignored, or a family member making you feel guilty, ashamed or bad about yourself
- abuse or violence happening to you or another family member
If you think you are being abused by someone in your family, or you see a family member abusing someone else, it’s really important that you get help.
There are different types of abuse that might be affecting you or your family. There is physical abuse, which is when someone physically hurts you, emotional abuse when someone is always making you feel bad about yourself, or sexual abuse, which is when someone is forcing you to do something sexual.
Abuse is always wrong, and although it can be very difficult to talk about, you’re never alone. Find out how you can get support.