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If you are reading this and wondering what to do next then the answer is quite straightforward - tell someone! This may seem the most frightening, daunting task but it is the only way the abuse will stop.
So, who do you tell?
The most important thing to do is to tell someone you trust. This person could be a parent, a relative, a teacher or doctor…your first step may even be to tell your best friend so that you have support to tell someone in authority and that is the key. Eventually, if the abuse is to stop, then Social Services and the Police will need to be involved.
Sometimes when you tell an adult you trust, their first response can be disbelief and shock. This could make you feel even worse and make you wish you had kept 'the secret'. Child abuse should never be a secret. If the person you tell finds it difficult to believe then find someone who will… a trusted, good listener with an open mind:
Teachers and doctors are really good people to tell as they will have had some training in this. However, if you have M.E. then you may not be at school. So who can help you then?
There are some excellent organisations run by professionals who are trained to listen and help people just like you. Both Childline and NSPCC have free help lines.
See our Keeping yourself safe links to go to their websites.
REMEMBER, if you are frightened and feel that you are in danger call the Police IMMEDIATELY!
