Ep. 10: Natasha Hirst on Surviving Domestic Abuse as a Teenager

Trigger warning: In this episode Natasha tells me about some of the domestic violence she experienced as a child and teenager.   In the final episode of this series, I have the privilege of talking to Natasha, who was physically and psychologically abused by her mother's boyfriend from quite a young age, until she left home to go to university. Now a photographer and writer, Natasha has taken her experiences of domestic abuse into journalism, activism, and charity campaigning to improve the lives of others who've experienced similar. Natasha is also deaf, so we also talk a bit about how that contributed to a low self-esteem that led her to tolerate the violence at home. What is domestic abuse?  One of the things we discuss is what actually constitutes domestic abuse. I was shocked when Natasha told me that she tolerated her treatment because she didn't realise that it wasn't normal, or because she was told it was her fault. I think Natasha's explanation is a really good place to start if you're wondering if something's not right about your own situation.  Disability and consent We also discuss consent in relation to how we approach a disabled person – it's a fascinating insight from someone who's often on the receiving end of well-intentioned, but unwelcome attention from strangers.  Where to get help if you're at risk of violence at home * Government advice [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help] - a starting point if you're in a violent situation, or you're worried about a child * Childline [https://www.childline.org.uk/] - confidential advice and information if you're a child suffering from domestic abuse, or seeing it happen in your home * Women's Aid [https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/]explains what constitutes domestic abuse, and what you can do about it * Refuge [https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2VKZsX0Yzi7UgIsOOjicwWziHB9bRcu3_lZG-5SuTPlhCc0z0ISc8Bq4E] Domestic Abuse and Covid-19 Some emergency measures available to victims of domestic violence during Coronavirus lockdown: * Rail companies offering free travel [https://media.raildeliverygroup.com/news/train-companies-to-offer-free-travel-to-those-fleeing-domestic-abuse-during-coronavirus-lockdown?fbclid=IwAR0o-l5HlScsYJbc-2kNVz4cwussZmb3ZI8kfnJ3abab8p53Z_25RCshn2M] to those fleeing domestic abuse * Boots Pharmacies [https://www.boots-uk.com/our-stories/boots-pharmacy-consultation-rooms-become-safe-spaces-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse/?fbclid=IwAR2VKZsX0Yzi7UgIsOOjicwWziHB9bRcu3_lZG-5SuTPlhCc0z0ISc8Bq4E] are offering their consultation rooms as a safe space to victims of domestic violence If you'd like to connect with Natasha you can find her here: * Twitter [https://twitter.com/HirstPhotos] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/electrodeaf14/] * Seeds Wales [http://seedswales.com/] - Natasha's charity website. Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/teenage-kicks-podcast/id1501488455] now to the Teenage Kicks podcast to hear about the new series when it begins. I'll be talking to some fabulous guests about difficult things that happened to them as teenagers - including losing a parent, being hospitalised with mental health problems, and battling an eating disorder - and how they overcame things to move on with their lives. I'd love it if you'd rate and review the podcast on iTunes too - it would really help other people to find it. Yo

Om Podcasten

Welcome to the Teenage Kicks podcast, where we take the fear out of parenting - or becoming - a teenager. The internet is full of parenting advice, from when you feel those first baby kicks, until they reach secondary school. And then it stops. No one is talking about teen parenting problems; so we’re going to. Essential listening for teenagers and their parents, as well as those who work with young adults; Teenage Kicks has teen mental health at its core, and each episode will empower young people to tackle their own problems, and give parents the guidance to know how to help them. Each week Helen speaks to real individuals who've experienced the issues that young people are dealing with now, and they don't sugar-coat it. From exam nerves and career worries to issues around sexuality and consent, we get tips and advice from expert guests who understand what it’s like to be a teenager today. Helen will also be chatting about tough teenage problems like cyberbullying and self-harm, drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancy, all with a heavy dose of reality from someone who's been there and made it through to the other side. Teenage Kicks for Parents: As parents, we understand some of our kids’ struggles, but let’s face it, it’s been a while, and things have moved on since we last panicked over a detention! Teenage choices today can seem alien to their parents because teenage life has changed so dramatically since we were young. Teenage Kicks helps you unravel topics like social media, sexting and teen self-esteem so that you can figure out what your child needs support with, and what’s just normal teenage behaviour.   Teenage Kicks for Teens: Teenagers and parents come at things from different angles, we know. But teenage life can be challenging, and the support of your parents can make navigating tricky dilemmas easier. Teenage Kicks guests aren’t adults who’ve read a textbook; nor are they heavily invested in your day-to-day safety, like your mum and dad. They are real people who’ve been through what you’re dealing with, and they have the inspiration and advice you need to handle it yourself. Join Helen each week as she chats to a different guest about topics affecting teenagers in 2020, and helps parents and teens to open up a dialogue that will make life easier to navigate on all sides. You'll also find me chatting about teen parenting here: * Actually Mummy [https://actuallymummy.co.uk/] - my personal blog * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamhelenwills/] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/iamhelenwills] Useful websites: * The Mix [https://www.themix.org.uk/]- good information for under 25's * Shout [https://www.giveusashout.org/] - for anyone struggling with anxiety or depression This series of the Teenage Kicks Podcast is sponsored by Blue Microphones [https://www.blue-designs.co.uk/], who gave me the fabulous Yeticaster mic for all my recordings. It's really straightforward to use, and gives me great sound quality without too much editing.