Helping yourself
Taking the First Step and talking to someone is always a hard one, but we hope that when you find the courage to do so, you can feel comfortable talking to us. We are friendly and will never judge you for your situation, abuse is not your choice and it's never your fault.
Email 1step
Why talk to us?
We are an organisation that is on your side, the Email service is completely confidential and we are here to listen to you and try to help you find a way out of this difficult situation.
We are also happy to help you find outside support if you want us to.
What will happen?
If you decide to email us, you can talk about your worries, fears or even just vent your frustration. There is no pressure to give us any information about your situation, tell us as much or as little as you want, or even just say hi. We promise to try and reply within 2 days to give you the support you deserve.
If you ask us to get outside help, we will stay in regular contact, telling you every step we take and supporting you on the route to breaking free for this abusive situation.
What could happen?
They say that ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Perhaps just saying the words out loud will help you deal with or confront your situation.
Maybe we can put you in touch with someone that can help. Even if the only thing that happens is that you feel less alone, then that is one step further along the route to recovery.
Talking to an adult
Why talk to an adult?
We know talking to an adult can be scary, but it might also be the best step you take to sorting your abusive situation out. Try to assure yourself that talking to someone can only make things better.
Some of you may have had your trust betrayed by an adult but remember that abusive behaviour is not normal adult behaviour and that any trust you put in most adults will be honoured and respected.
What will happen?
It is hard to say what will definitely happen because everyone’s situation is different. However, we can say that confiding in an adult you can trust WILL make things better. They will try to help you and find you a path out of your situation so you don’t have to be afraid anymore.
What could happen?
Your trusted adult will do what they can to make your life better. This means they might contact social services, who would then come and talk about your options. If they are very worried, they may also talk to the police. Remember that you are now in control and can tell them what you want to happen.
Counselling
Why talk to a counsellor?
Counsellors are trained to talk to people and help them work through their issues. They will not judge you or your situation but will just try to make it less painful.
You can get counselling for free by contact a local youth service. They are normally completely confidential and are there to support you when you are feeling low.
What will happen?
When you’ve found a counsellor you are happy with, you can book an appointment for your first session.
Once you are there, you can talk with them one-on-one about any problems you may have. They are very understanding and will know how much courage it has taken you to make that appointment. They won’t force you to talk about anything you don’t want to.
Contacting the social services
Why contact the social services?
Social services are there to help people like you. They will ensure that you are safe and that you are no longer abused. They can also put you in touch with someone that you can trust and talk to.
Contacting the social services can be hard but may often be the best step, especially for abuse in the family home. They can talk to you about your options and won’t push you to make a certain decision.
What will happen?
The social services may ask you to talk to other people, maybe a doctor, the police or just another adult. Remember, they will only ask you to talk to someone who will help you through this.
There are many routes that could be taken. The scariest situation may be that you might have to be looked after by someone, if you’re not safe in your family home. Try not to let this stop you contacting them, it will lead to the abuse stopping.
Ringing the police
Why contact the Police?
Do not feel afraid about ringing the police. They are there to look after the safety of the public, including you. Whether the situation is happening now or was in the past they will try their hardest to make you safe.
Contacting them is not as scary as it might sound, they are very helpful and friendly. They will also put you in contact with any service that you may need.
What will happen?
Often, victims of abuse feel that they will not be believed if they tell someone about their situation. The police will take you seriously and will not think that you are making it up.