Alex's Answer

Hi there, thank you for reaching out to Ask Alex.  

We are so sorry to hear this is happening to you and would be very concerned that you are being hurt by those who should be looking after you. Nobody has the right to hit, hurt or threaten to hurt you in anyway and you have the right to feel safe in your own home.    

It is important to know that you are not alone, and we would encourage you to reach out to a trusted adult in your life that will support you. This could be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, teacher, neighbour anyone that you feel comfortable enough to talk with and that you will feel supported by.   

Anyone who raises their hand to cause you physical pain or physically hurts you in any way, is being abusive towards you and that is not accepted in Ireland. It is important to know you have the right to report any concerns of abuse to the Social Work Department or the Gardaí. Túsla is the Child and Family agency in Ireland, and they have Social Workers who work with children and young people under the age of 18 to ensure their safety.  

You can contact Túsla through www.changingfutures.ie/contact or via phone from 9am-5pm Mon-Fri on 0818 776 315. If you are in immediate danger, please contact the Gardaí on 112 or 999.  

 If you feel that you cannot turn to a trusted adult at present, you can always reach out to our Childline team. You can talk or chat to us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and our services are free and confidential. You can talk to us by phone by calling 1800 66 66 66, chat to us one-to-one on our webchat on www.childline.ie, just click on the Live Chat. Our services are non-judgmental and confidential. You are never alone, and there are people available to listen and explore your options with you so please reach out to us when you need help and support. 

We hope this information has been useful for you and that you get the support you deserve. We are here if you need to reach out. 

Keep safe,  

Alex