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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe different forms of domestic abuse and explain how to seek support.

      Key learning points

      1. Domestic abuse comes in many forms.
      2. People in abusive relationships may not realise they are being abused.
      3. It can be difficult and dangerous to leave abusive relationships, and recipients of abuse need support.
      4. If you suspect someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are people and organisations that can help.
      5. There are laws surrounding domestic abuse, including the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

      Keywords

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

      • Recipient of abuse - any individual who experiences abusive treatment

      • Perpetrator - an individual who has committed a harmful act

      • Consent - everyone involved clearly agrees to sexual activity without pressure; it's freely given, can be withdrawn anytime, and requires understanding

      Common misconception

      It is only possible to experience one type of abuse in the same relationship, and recipients of abuse are always women.

      Multiple forms of abuse can be present in the same relationship, and recipients of domestic abuse can be men.

      Teacher tip

      Handle discussions with care - offer anonymous question boxes and signpost support services.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

      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.
      What does the term 'respect' mean in a relationship?

      always agreeing with the other person
      never having disagreements
      Correct answer: treating someone fairly and how you'd like to be treated
      doing whatever the other person wants

      Q2.
      A is an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow in relationships.

      Correct Answer: boundary, boundaries

      Q3.
      In a healthy relationship, conflict is:

      a sign the relationship is failing
      something that should never happen
      Correct answer: normal and can be resolved through communication
      always someone's fault

      Q4.
      What does it mean if someone has good emotional intelligence?

      Correct answer: they're aware of their feelings
      they never feel sad or angry
      they avoid talking about emotions
      Correct answer: they understand how others feel
      they always know the right answer

      Q5.
      The exchange of words to express thoughts and feelings is called ...

      Correct Answer: Communication

      Q6.
      Which of the following are examples of conflict resolution strategies?

      Correct answer: active listening
      ignoring each other
      Correct answer: compromise
      Correct answer: finding common ground
      screaming and shouting

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these are forms of domestic abuse?

      physical abuse only
      physical, sexual and emotional abuse only
      Correct answer: coercive control, physical, sexual, emotional, financial and online abuse
      only abuse that leaves visible injuries

      Q2.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:perpetrator,an individual who has committed a harmful act

      an individual who has committed a harmful act

      Correct Answer:recipient of abuse,an individual who experiences abusive treatment

      an individual who experiences abusive treatment

      Correct Answer:abuse,hurting, mistreating or controlling another person on purpose

      hurting, mistreating or controlling another person on purpose

      Q3.
      Which statements are true about domestic abuse?

      Only women can be recipients of abuse.
      Correct answer: Multiple forms of abuse can occur in a relationship.
      Only one type of abuse happens in a relationship at a time.
      Correct answer: Anyone can be a recipient of abuse.
      Men cannot experience domestic abuse.

      Q4.
      Why might recipients of abuse find it difficult to leave an abusive relationship?

      Correct answer: they may not realise they are being abused
      they don't want help
      it's always easy to leave if they really want to
      Correct answer: they may experience threats, isolation or financial dependency

      Q5.
      If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic abuse, what should you do?

      Correct answer: create a safe space to talk and actively listen
      confront the perpetrator yourself
      Correct answer: signpost them to support services
      ignore it as it's not your business
      Correct answer: tell a trusted adult

      Q6.
      When was the Domestic Abuse Act passed?

      Correct Answer: 2021

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