No need to suffer in silence

SPEAK out, it's the first step to a better life. It may seem simple, but that's the message I would send out to every young person living with domestic abuse in Scotland.

Help is there for victims of domestic abuse, says 17-year-old survivor

Jack*

It's also the backbone of a new campaign I helped launch this week with the Scottish Government, aimed at raising awareness of the impact domestic abuse has on children and young people.

Domestic abuse isn't easy to deal with. I've often heard people say, "why can't she just leave him if it's that bad" or "she should just stand up to him, it's no big deal". Frankly, these people are uneducated and naive. No-one knows the lasting affect it can have on people or the damage it can do to families, unless you've experienced it for yourself. I have.

There are people who can help and make a difference in getting your life back on track - Women's Aid support workers, for women and young people, is just one example. Just talking to someone takes a ton of pressure off.

Support can last for one hour, or one year, it all depends on the individual. Support workers know that every situation is unique. No matter what, it's not your fault and there's no shame in being a victim.

Young people feel isolated when they experience domestic abuse. I felt completely detached from the world and without my support worker I would have some serious issues to deal with; I wouldn't be performing as well in school and I doubt I would ever have moved on and put this trauma behind me. I don't think I would have grown into the ambitious and confident person I am today.

Living with domestic abuse can mess with you in so many different ways, but there's someone out there ready to help you step into the light. Whether it's speaking to a trusted adult, teacher or Childline - they're waiting to lift the world off your shoulders.

*name has been changed to preserve anonymity