Abuse is an action or actions that intentionally cause you harm or distress. Abuse can take many forms and can cause physical and mental pain. It's often about someone having power and control over you.

Domestic abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in a couple relationship or between family members.

Sexual abuse is sexual activity you don’t want, don’t agree to or don’t understand.

Perpetrators often use force, make threats or take advantage of victims not able to give consent. The abuser could be a partner, family member, someone you know or a stranger.

How can counselling help with abuse?

Counselling gives someone a space. I will give you that time. People who come into counselling are not coming to say they were abused, but there might be historical abuse and it can take a long time for it to come out. It can take a while to talk about why.

For people in abusive situations, it’s important for you to know, you can come to a place where you can talk, where you can feel safe and where you are not judged.