Being
abused can mean you are
being hurt by someone
in your house. They may
hit you or deliberately
make you feel like dirt
by the way they talk to
you. It could be a parent,
a step-parent, a relative
or someone else.
There is no way you should
have this happening to
you.
It is your right as a
young person to live your
life free from abuse.
Telling
someone about what you
have been going through
will be one of the hardest
things you have ever done, apart
from suffering the abuse
itself.
However, other young people
who have told someone
say that:
Telling
the right person is
always the right thing
to do.
Once
you have spoken to someone,
things will immediately
feel different.
By
telling someone you
are doing something
that may change the
situation for the better.
If the person does not
believe you, don't be
put off. Keep telling
until you find someone
who believes you and
will help.
Although
sometimes things may
seem to get worse after
telling someone, they
will get better in the
long run.
You can call Childline on 0800 1111 or the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000. They will keep everything you tell them 100% confidential.
You need to be sure that
the person you talk to can
be trusted and that they
will not take any action
that you are unhappy with.
Ask them to make it clear
to you how confidential
they can be. This will vary
depending on your age or
if someone else under 16
is at risk.
They will say they must
take action if they think
you or someone you talk
about is in any danger.
People you could speak to
include teachers, relatives,
friends, youth workers or
social workers.
If the Social Work Department
are involved they may
take you to somewhere
safe like a residential
or foster home. It is
possible that they will
not take you away from
home. This depends on
how much you have told
them and how dangerous
they decide it is for
you at home.
Each situation is different
and the most important
thing is that you tell
the social worker what
has happened to you.
Where you will leave after you have told somebody... 16 and over
You
can leave home without
your parents' permission
at 16.
If
you cannot find anywhere
else to live you can present
yourself as homeless to
the Council. You will have
to explain that you are
at risk at home and that
you have nowhere else
to go. Try to take someone
you trust with you to
give you support.
This will be difficult
but the fact that you
are at risk in your home
means that you are entitled
to accommodation. If you
prefer, you can ask to
be interviewed by someone
of your own sex. What
you tell them will be
kept confidential.
If
you get offered a place
remember that you shouldn't
have to take the first
one if you would be unsafe
there or if the condition
of the house is bad. If
you feel that you need
supported accommodation
ask the Council Housing
Department
if they can offer this.
If you no longer
want contact with your
family, be careful who
you give you address or
phone number to.
