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To Sam

Neglect - no food.

My family hurts me alot and my feelngs. They also make me cry and become upset. I have come close to cut my wrists and every day I think about suicide. They have neglected me before for up to 36 hours. Please help me.
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Sam

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to me and telling me what you are going through. It sounds like things have been really tough for you at home and that your family aren't looking after you the way they should.

Abuse of any kind (physical, emotional or sexual) and neglect is always wrong. You have a right to feel safe at home and your parents have a responsibility to look after you. It sounds like your parents aren't doing this, which is wrong and it is not your fault.

I can hear the situation at home is having a really big impact on you and I’m really concerned that you have been having thoughts about suicide. It sounds like you are desperate for your situation to change. There are options available for you and there are people you can talk to about trying to make things better at home. A first step could asking an adult for help.

It is your parent's job to make sure that you are looked after properly. When parents are unable to do this job properly, social services can find ways to help you and your parents. Social services may be able to help them with any problems they are having or else they could make them aware that they need to look after you better.

The idea of contacting social services might be scary and it’s a big decision to make. Lots of young people are unsure of how to go about doing it or even what might happen to their family after they do. You can talk to a ChildLine counsellor about this and they can support you.

You can read more about abuse and neglect and who you can speak to.

It's important that you know that you don't have to go through this alone. Our counsellors are available to listen to you whenever you need them. We would like to support you with what is going on at home and help keep you safe from the suicidal thoughts you have been having. We can also help you in contacting social services if that is something you'd like us to do. It is your decision. If ever you feel in danger, please remember that you can call 999 for urgent help.

I hope this helps.

Take care,
Sam      
 

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