Hi
Thank you for sending me this letter. Deciding to tell someone about this for the first time is a very brave thing to do. You have the right to be safe at home - It is wrong for your dad to hit you and your younger brother, what he is doing is called physical abuse, which is breaking the law. You can learn more about this by looking at the Physical abuse page in Explore.
I am worried to hear that you are sometimes left with marks and blood when your dad hits you. If you ever feel that you, or your younger brother are in danger because of how your dad is treating you can call ChildLine and let us know, or get help by phoning 999.
You told me that your mum seemed angry when your dad hit your brother while you were shopping. I’m wondering how much you think your mum knows about the way your dad treats you and your brother? If you and your mum get on well perhaps you could think about talking to her about this.
You said you feel it’s time you told someone and it sounds as though you would like things to change. Maybe you could think about whether there are any adults that you would feel comfortable talking to about this – perhaps a teacher, or another member of staff at school?
If you contact ChildLine or talk to us online you could tell us more about what is happening and how you would like things to change. The call is free and ChildLine phone number won’t show up on a phone bill.
Thanks again for getting in touch,
Sam