What should I do if I’ve been abused?

You must realise that absolutely no one has the right to hurt or frighten you, no matter who they are.

If you have been or are being abused and want help to sort things out in your head, there are places you can go. You have a right to speak about what has happened to you and be believed.

If you feel able to talk to someone, and you do, you may be better able to deal with your feelings or even get help to stop the abuse.

If you want to talk but feel you have no one to talk to, you can talk privately and confidentially to a worker at 18 & Under. We won’t tell anyone unless you want us to.

We can also contact other places for help if you want us to.

We won’t tell you what to do, but instead will inform you and will support you no matter what you decide to do. We can help you to sort your head out.

18 & Under
Free phone 0800-731-40-80

How I feel

I feel hurt that you could do it,
Anger that you’ve hurt me.
You never hurt anyone else
But me - why me?
So I suggest to you
That you get your life sorted!

I feel protected because I’ve told,
So you can no longer hurt me,
Because if you do watch out
For I’m protected!
Because you and I know that
You could do it again.
So girls beware
For it could happen to you!

By Kathrine (11)