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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the signs of domestic abuse that others might see, and explain how to challenge unacceptable behaviour and attitudes.

      Key learning points

      1. There are many forms of physical and non-physical abuse, and it is never the recipient's fault.
      2. Signs of abuse may include changes in behaviour, appearance or mood.
      3. We can challenge harmful language and actions, safely and respectfully.
      4. Online abuse is just as serious as abuse in person, and it should be reported.
      5. It’s important to speak to a trusted adult if you're worried that someone is in an abusive situation.

      Keywords

      • Abuse - to hurt, mistreat or control another person on purpose, either physically, emotionally, or verbally, causing harm or pain

      • Stigma - being judged or treated unfairly just because of a particular characteristic, situation or condition, like having a mental health condition

      Common misconception

      If someone doesn’t tell us directly that they are being abused, it’s not any of our business.

      Abuse often goes unspoken. By noticing the signs and acting with care, we could help someone feel less alone and help them to get the support that they need.

      Teacher tip

      Have clear signposting available to local and national organisations that can provide support for pupils and the people that they care about. Consider having printed resources with helpline numbers available for pupils to take discreetly.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is an example of a healthy relationship?

      A person checks their partner's phone messages without asking.
      Correct answer: A person respects their partner's opinions even when they disagree.
      A person tells their partner what to wear every day.
      A person gets angry if their partner spends time with friends.

      Q2.
      Why might it be difficult for someone to leave an abusive relationship?

      they may fear what will happen if they try to leave
      they may have low self-esteem and feel they deserve it
      they may still care about their partner
      Correct answer: all of the options are correct

      Q3.
      Which term means any individual who experiences abusive treatment?

      Correct Answer: recipient of abuse, a recipient of abuse

      Q4.
      Abuse is always the fault of the , never the victim.

      Correct Answer: perpetrator, person doing the abuse

      Q5.
      The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises which of the following as a crime?

      Correct answer: many forms of abuse, both physical and non-physical
      only physical violence between partners
      only emotional abuse within families
      only abuse that happens in person, not online

      Q6.
      Match each form of abuse to its correct description.

      Correct Answer:physical abuse,using violence or force to cause injury

      using violence or force to cause injury

      Correct Answer:emotional abuse,using threats, insults or manipulation to harm someone

      using threats, insults or manipulation to harm someone

      Correct Answer:financial abuse,controlling someone's money or access to finances

      controlling someone's money or access to finances

      Correct Answer:coercive control,patterns of threatening or controlling behaviour

      patterns of threatening or controlling behaviour

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:abuse,to hurt, mistreat or control another person on purpose

      to hurt, mistreat or control another person on purpose

      Correct Answer:stigma,being judged unfairly because of a characteristic or situation

      being judged unfairly because of a characteristic or situation

      Correct Answer:consent,everyone involved clearly agrees to sexual activity without pressure

      everyone involved clearly agrees to sexual activity without pressure

      Q2.
      Which of the following could be warning signs that someone is experiencing abuse?

      Correct answer: suddenly cancelling plans and becoming socially withdrawn
      Correct answer: wearing long sleeves in hot weather to cover unexplained marks
      forgetting to reply to one text message
      Correct answer: constant apologising for small, unimportant things

      Q3.
      Online abuse is just as as abuse in person, and it should be reported.

      Correct Answer: serious, important, significant, impactful, bad

      Q4.
      Your friend hasn't directly told you they're being abused, but you've noticed warning signs. What is the most appropriate response?

      It's none of your business, so you should ignore it.
      Correct answer: Notice the signs, act with care and seek help from a trusted adult.
      Wait until they tell you directly before doing anything.
      Confront the person you think is abusing them.

      Q5.
      Which of these statements about abuse and seeking help are true?

      Correct answer: Abuse is never the recipient's fault.
      Only physical abuse is serious enough to report.
      Recipients of abuse are responsible for the perpetrator's actions.
      Correct answer: You should speak to a trusted adult if worried about someone.

      Q6.
      We can challenge harmful language and actions:

      Correct answer: safely
      Correct answer: respectfully
      agressively
      with violence

      To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: How to protect myself and others, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...