Alex's Answer

Hello, you are very welcome to Ask Alex. 

Thanks so much for trusting us with your thoughts and sharing what is going on for you. This can be difficult, but it is a big step forward in accessing the help that you need at this time.    

You stated that you are being abused. 

We are sorry that you are suffering abuse and want to let you know that this is not okay as no one has the right to hurt you. You are very brave to reach out to Ask Alex, well done! All children living in Ireland have a right to be protected and kept safe from harm. They also have the right to get help when someone is abusing them in any way.   

We are wondering if you would consider talking to a trusted adult about what is happening to you. This could be someone within your family such as a parent, an aunt/uncle, an older sibling, or someone outside of the family such as a teacher, a friend, a youth worker, school counsellor. Speaking to an adult who can listen to what is going on for you may be beneficial and relieving for you. Also, they might be able to support you in accessing services that can help you. It is important for your overall health and wellbeing that you get the support you need, and that you know that none of this is your fault.    

If you are ever feel unsafe at home, or anywhere else, you have the right to call the emergency services at 999 or 112. These calls are free and can be made from any mobile or landline.

Also, you have the right to get in touch with Túlsa, the Child and Family Agency in Ireland. The social workers within Túlsa are there for young people under the age of 18 years old, and their job is to make sure that children and young people are safe at home. You can find your local Tulsa office here www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/local-area-offices/if you would like to get in touch with them or get information. You may need the support of an adult to help you with this.   

The ISPCC Childline website has some information and articles you may find helpful: www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/;  www.childline.ie/home-and-families/; www.childline.ie/bullying-abuse-safety-and-your-rights/.   

Childline is here for you, and we would love to chat to you more about what is going on. You can reach out to us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and our services are free and confidential. You can talk to us by phone 1800 66 66 66 or chat to us one-to-one on our webchat on www.childline.ie or by text on 50101. We will not judge anything you say to us or tell you what to do. We will look at what options may be available to you, with you.    

Thank you for getting in touch with your question and please contact us again if there is anything else you would like help with at any stage, no matter how big or small the problem seems. 

Take Care, 

Alex