Adam’s Story (2)

*Warning you may find this post upsetting*

Growing up with a different dad was a tough one. I wanted to feel loved from both parents, but felt lonely and hurt and here’s why…..

My real dad left when I was 3.My brothers dad got with my mum shortly after. He was ok towards me until his son was born, my brother. Not long after, he started acting strangely. As the weeks, months, years went on he became more and more violent towards me. It got to the point where I was petrified of my family and he became manipulative and scary.

The violence started with the odd shouting at me. I wasn’t doing anything wrong, he really hated me. It then went on to sharp jabs to my chest and face, then went on to spitting on me. The worse it got to, was literally dragging me upstairs by one ankle so my face was bashing against each step, then he threw me on the bed. I was not a naughty child at all. I was always on my best behaviour, especially with him at home. I never even wanted to be a naughty kid.

I wanted to tell my mum everything that had happened. This violence was all happening when my mum was at work. She knew nothing. He made me so scared, that he never let me even sit near my mother on the sofa. Every time I did, he gave me such an evil stare, that I went and sat elsewhere immediately.

So this happened for a few years and it affected my school life. I was scared of everyone around me. I would never ask for help, because I couldn’t speak to anyone, because I’d think that he would be nearby.

So then one day, my mum came home early from work and when she walked into the front room, she caught him almost laying a fist into me, stopped him and immediately screamed at him to stop. He did and I ran upstairs and went into my room. I heard shouting from my mum downstairs and things were being thrown. A few hours later my mum came in to tell me that he was leaving and was never returning. I felt so happy and free from him.

I went on to tell my mum everything. Even to this day she still feels guilty for everything, but always keep reminding her that she couldn’t do anything about it. Parental bullying can leave scars, but I am not afraid anymore. I have rarely seen him since and I have got stronger in myself. It’s worth telling someone. They might just save your life, don’t wait for something to happen.
Adam

 Places to turn to for help with this type of problem or domestic violence in general:

 Child Line – http://www.childline.org.uk

Broken Rainbow – http://www.brokenrainbow.org.uk  (helpline for LGBTQ people facing domestic violence)

MK Act http://www.mkweb.co.uk/mkwomensaid (women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Service)