Pat's Answer

Hello, Welcome to Ask Pat. 

Thank you for your question. 

You are asking what you can do. You are 15 and your guardians tricked you into staying in Somalia and now they want you to get married. 

We are sorry for all that is going on for you and we would be concerned for your safety.  It is understandable that you are seeking help. Are we right in thinking you are in Somalia at present? If so, we would not know of local supports in Somalia that you can avail of, as the Aak Pat service is based in Ireland. However, as a young person under the age of 18, you have rights. 

Somalia is one of the countries who have signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. You can read about these rights here www.childline.ie/your-rights/. You have the right to be safe and happy. You also have the right to be listened to and have your feelings heard. You have the right to speak to someone who can support you, an adult that you trust, somebody who can get you the help that you need. Do you have somebody like this who you can talk to?  Is it possible for you to contact the local police service? Perhaps Childline UK would be better able to guide you as you are a UK citizen www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/crime-law/forced-marriage/ 

You are so brave to reach out to us and we hope that you can get the help you deserve. If you wish to chat to Childline Ireland, you an do so through our web chat on www.childline.ie, we would love to hear from you. Childline webchat is open 24-hours a day, every day. The services are free and confidential. Thank you for reaching out to us.  

Take care of yourself,  

Pat are