Abuse defence is a way to protect yourself when someone is trying to hurt you. It is important to know the signs of abuse so that you can recognize it right away and take steps to protect yourself. One way to do this is by learning what are called "safety skills", which are things you can do to protect yourself from a dangerous situation. These might include being aware of your surroundings and always having a plan for getting away from someone who is trying to harm you. It is also important to have people you trust in your life—like parents, teachers, or friends—that you can talk to for help. Even if you don't know what to do, talking to someone about an abusive situation can sometimes help.