If you are in any situation with someone older that makes you uncomfortable, as soon as someone says “this is our secret”, that’s the time to tell somebody.
Domestic violence can affect you at any time – memories can surface years later if the issue has not been dealt with and closure found.
It is tough to be the only one who says “no” to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you know the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away, and resist doing something when you know better.
Bullying is never to be tolerated, under any circumstances. It takes a better person to support someone being bullied, than to join in with the crowd.
Be aware that comments and pictures posted online will be read in years to come by people including new friends, family and employers. If in doubt, ask yourself if the public should be seeing it.
Jodie Marsh was bullied severely when growing up, and contemplated suicide; she now campaigns for anti-bullying programmes. Call HopeLine on UK 0800 068 41 41 for suicide prevention advice.
Al-Anon is an international fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems.
Name-calling hurts and is a form of bullying. Think how it would feel if someone said those words to you, or if a group of people said them.
Report a crime or anti-social behaviour by calling the police, or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) if you want to remain anonymous – they will pass the info on to the police.
Forgiveness sets you free from resentment’s confines; it breaks down the walls that anger builds and negativity reinforces. When we forgive, we stop letting ours pasts dictate our presents. We acknowledge we want the very best for ourselves; accepting that our past makes us the person we are today, and embracing that.