What counts as abuse?

Here is a list of some of the things which count as abuse:

• Witnessing your mum being beaten up by her partner
• Someone flashing at you or making you touch them
• If your mum/dad hits you all the time
• Being constantly told you are worthless
• Being raped
• Being neglected
• Sex talk or comments that make you feel bad
• Being left alone in the house for long periods of time (e.g. days)

None of these may have happened to you but you still may have been abused. Think of it this way, if someone has done something to you that feels wrong or bad, you have been abused. Remember you have the right to feel safe.

Confusion

The mix of emotion
Is burning inside
I don’t know whether
To laugh or cry.
I love you, I hate you,
I’m still not sure,
My mind is a mess,
I’ve never felt this before.

How could you hurt me?
I’d like to know,
If there’s a good answer
I may not have to go.
But what’s a good answer?
I hear myself ask,
Surely I’d be a fool
To just let this pass.
I was innocent, I did nothing wrong.
So why am I hurting,
My happiness gone?