There are different kinds of conflict in relationships. Not all conflict is damaging, but it’s important to remember that the way it is displayed, how often it happens and how conflict is dealt with can all have a negative impact on children. It only starts to become a problem when conflict is frequent, intense and not resolved well. The latest research tells us that conflict is harmful to children and affects their mental health, behaviour and success at school. Damaging conflict (not domestic abuse) within a relationship can be expressed in numerous ways:
- Verbal arguments and aggression
- Silence
- Lack of respect
- Lack of resolution
As Families come in all shapes and sizes, conflict can occur in all types of families:
- Parents who are in a relationship
- Parents who have separated or divorced
- Biological and stepparents
- Other family members playing a parenting role
- Foster and adoptive parents
- Same-sex couples
Conflict within a Relationship or Domestic Abuse?
Conflict within a relationship and domestic abuse are two separate things, but it can sometimes be difficult to work out if your relationship is abusive or just in a bad place. As a general guide, if your relationship with your partner, ex-partner or a member of your family is abusive:
- They will want to hold all the power and control
- You might be fearful of them
- Their abuse will have happened more than once, or you will notice patterns
Helpful websites
Help with domestic abuse
Find out where to get help if you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.
Rise
Answer quick questions on this website about abusive behaviours.
Respect
Domestic abuse site and helpline specifically for men.
Galop (LGBT+)
Anti-violence charity, making life safe, just and fair for LGBT+ people.