Child Abuse - Physical, Sexual, Psychological & EmotionalSee the Section on 'Assault' and then come back to this section. If you are a 'Child' of any age, I suggest that you go to the 'Childline' website, or phone Childline: 0800 1111. The NSPCC Help Line for adults: 0808 800 5000, NSPCC Under 18 Web Site, may also be helpful for Adults The police are now more sensitive to these issues and there are special Interview Suites, with support workers. Contact the police immediately, if you feel able. Social Services have 'obligations' and they do not always deal with situations intelligently and sensitively. You may understand some of the difficulties that these organisations can create, in attempting to help you, You may fear making contact with them. Adults can be quite stupid and insensitive in their help, I know that, so do others in these organisations. YOU are the person experiencing these distressing problems. Make sure that you let people know what your wishes are and only tell people what you want to tell them at that time you feel able to: - Take things at your pace and make sure people respect 'all' your wishes and do things at a pace that 'you' feel comfortable with.
- Make sure that they make commitments to respect all your wishes, even if they do not agree with them. Tell them any reasons why you are reluctant.
- You know things that they don't, and may never understand fully. You are the expert in your own experiences & your wishes are important, more than anyone knows.
- You have to be made safe, but this should be in the least restrictive way, for you and your brothers and sisters and your parents (in that order).
- If it is your fear that the family will be broken up. That fear is real. It does happen. Just be aware that it does not have to be that way. (This could be more abusive and distressing than what has happened to you).
- YOU decide & then 'tell them'. Its your body, your feeling, your family.
- If you decide that you want to protect your family from this, insist that you know the 'obligations' they have (things they must do). Let them know that 'you' know, there are different 'options' available and get them to discuss these with you first.
- It is important that you get help and protection, along with the your brothers and sisters. The decisions you have to make are very difficult and distressing. You are brave to start this and thoughtful to do this wisely.
- Once you have got the reassurance you have been asking for, Report your experiences and fears only to someone you trust, or who has some authority. If at any stage you are unhappy with the person you are disclosing to - say so, politely.
- If you still feel you feel unable to talk to the police, or social services, at least talk to someone on Childline. Keep the 'trusted' people in your life up to date with how things are
- Make a stand with the person that is being abusive, tell the other parent. If this does not work; go stay with another Relation that you know well and tell them the problem. Do not allow yourself to continue to be abused, by anyone.
Do all this this with a friend, if you feel you have to, but never go anywhere with anyone you do not know. Have them come to you, on your own safe ground, at school, at a friends house, at a relations house, a police station, social services office, etc. Otherwise use the telephone links to official support organisations, where their details are clearly available and you are able to identify who and where they are. This site has no postal address at present. We do not 'qualify' on that basis. To help here the following information is available: I live in the Trowbridge, Wiltshire Area. I work for Wiltshire Social Services, The Civic Hall, Trowbridge, Wiltshire. If you wanted to check on 'who I am', or have a complaint about my conduct, these are locations that you can use to inform anyone you choose. Get advice else where also: Get information from the internet but never arrange to meet up with anyone on the basis of any internet contact 'including from this site'. Get information from lots of sources and use you intelligence, wisdom and 'guts' to decide what is safe. If you fear the consequences for yourself, choose the support that you feel will give you the best help in the way that you want it. If you fear the consequences for your family, or the person who has abused you, this will be understood and appreciated' 'if you make it clear that it is of concern for you'. You are the person in this situation. Make sure people respect your wishes, whatever your age. Insist that they go at your pace and take your wishes into account. If they don't - complain but don't get too angry. Some people who you get support from will have been in your situation, some will not. There are benefits to be gained from both types of supports. You are an individual already, or you would not be here. Your needs and wishes may be different to that of someone else. Those differences should be respected at all stages of what you are doing. Don't let people forget that. Be polite but 'insist' that you be heard and that all your wishes continue to be respected. If you feel you want to comment on this advice and make suggestions, email me. I promise I will respect your comments and suggestions. We may not fully agree but your genuine request and you view, will be included, along with my own and others. If you have any difficulties at any point, please come back. We will continue to add help and suggestions and make corrections. Thank you | Childline: 0800 1111 Website NSPCC Help Line for adults: 0808 800 5000, NSPCC Under 18 Web Site Community Legal Advice: Victim Support Website Witness Support (UK) Criminal Justice System UK. Website CJS online.gov.uk - Witness CJS online.gov.uk - Victim Domestic Violence, Abuse and Harassment: Leaflet Dealing with the Police. Dissatisfied with conduct towards self or another: Leaflet Victim Support Service: Violent Crime - Leaflet Rape & Sexual Assault - Information National Association for People Abused in Childhood - Website Rape and Sexual Assault - information for Men - Leaflet Rape and Sexual Assault - information for Women - Leaflet Survivors UK - Website Legal Aid Services UK: www.legalservices.gov.uk Legal Services Commission (LSC) run the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. LSC - OnlineThe LSC provide information, advice & legal representation to help two million people each year get access justice.  CLS Website
The Community Legal Service (CLS) helps people with 'civil' legal problems such as family breakdown, debt and housing.
 CLA WebsiteThis website offers free, confidential and independent legal advice for residents of England and Wales Free, confidential legal advice: 0845 345 4 345 Click: CLA Charges  CDS Link
The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) helps people who are under police investigation, or facing criminal charges.
TRC. eMail: terry.couchman@visitweb.org |
