Welcome Friend
Hi Friend is a site for young people who think that they or their friend may be experiencing family violence.
All families look a little different, not one is the same and that's okay.
But there are a few things that are not okay.
Family violence is not only wrong but it's also against the law and it's definitely never your fault.
You have the right to feel safe, no matter where you are. You also have the right to get information that is important to you.
You have the right to ask for and get help when needed.
This is why Hi Friend is here, we want to give you and your friends the tools to live safe and happy lives, free from family violence.
I feel unsafe at home
What does a safe home look like?
No families are perfect. It is normal to disagree with your parents. It is also normal to not like everything your parents ask you to do. Your parents are supposed to teach you right from wrong, they do this to make sure you grow up to have the best life possible and to respect others.
A safe home is one where you feel safe, loved, you feel like your boundaries are respected and you have enough food and clothing. You know your parents are doing their best for you even when you don't understand.
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What does an unsafe home look like?
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If you experience any of the below at home you have the right to help, please reach out and speak to a safe person.
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Physical abuse: When someone hurts your body on purpose, especially if they ask you to lie about how you were hurt
Emotional abuse: If someone constantly makes you feel scared, unsupported, unloved or makes you have low self-esteem
Neglect: If you don't have a safe place to live, enough food, clean clothes, if you are left alone for long periods of time or if you feel like your needs are being ignored
Verbal abuse: When someone's words towards you are harmful in any way
Sexual abuse: If someone touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, no matter who they are or what they say to make it seem normal, it is never ok to have someone touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable
Witness: Even if a parent or care giver is not harming you in anyway but you witness others in your house be harmed. This is also considered family violence
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There are many more forms of family violence. If you are unsure but know that something doesn't feel right, speak to a safe adult that you trust
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I am worried about my friend
How can I help my friend?
Sometimes our friends homes can look different than ours. Their parents do not pay as much attention to them as you think they should, their parents scream a lot more than yours. They don't seem to have as much food in their lunchbox, or your friend could just seem sad, scared or angry a lot. This does not always mean that your friend is unsafe at home but as their friend there are some things you can do make sure your friend is safe.
What can I do?
You can ask your friend if they are okay and listen to what they have to say. In another section are some questions you can ask your friend or some encouraging words that can help make your friend smile.
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If your friend sounds like they are in an unsafe home speak to an adult that you trust or call kids helpline on 1800551800
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To keep you safe, Do not talk about it with your friends parents or try to fix the problem yourself. Always involve a safe adult.
What do i say?
It is hard to know what to say to a friend when you find out that they are not safe at home. Here are a few things you can say, so your friend knows that you are there for them. And remember to always keep yourself safe by talking to an adult that you trust;
* Are you scared to go home?
* Is there an adult that you trust that you can talk to?
* I believe you
* You are brave for telling me
* You are not alone
* What is happening to you is wrong
* You are supposed to feel safe at home
* You matter
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Who can I speak to
A safe adult may look different for everyone.
Sometimes you or your friend has a family member that they can talk to. If this isn't possible, you may have some of the below people that you can talk to:
* A school teacher
* A sports coach
* A police officer
* A doctor
* A friends parent
* A church pastor
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How can I tell if an adult is safe?
* Someone you feel comfortable with. If they don't feel like a safe person you don't have to tell them anything.
* Someone that will listen to you.
* Someone that believes you.
* Someone that tells you it's not your fault.
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Phone numbers you can call
*Â Police (if you or your friend is in danger) Dial 000
* Kids Helpline (support for young people, for any reason) 1800551800
* Bravehearts (For young people experiencing sexual assault) 1800272831
* 1800RESPECT (people experiencing physical or sexual assault) 1800737732