Ask Sam letter

Hi there,

Thanks for your letter.

I’m glad you felt able to write to me about what’s been happening with your boyfriend, it seems like that could have taken a lot of courage.

You have told me that your boyfriend hits you and you are worried that he will hurt your baby. I want you to know it is not okay for anyone to hit you. This is abuse which is wrong. It is not your fault. I can hear that you want to be able to keep your baby safe and it’s great that you understand how important the baby’s health and wellbeing is.

It feels like it could be important to get some help with this as soon as you can because you will be close to your due date. There are different people around you that could help and I’m wondering who you might feel able to talk to.

What your boyfriend is doing is against the law. You can call the police to tell them about him hitting you if that is something you want to do. You don’t tell me about who else is in your life or what other support you might have but you might also talk to your midwife, your GP or a parent/carer to ask for help. You can find out more about asking someone for help here.

We have more information about relationship abuse and about having a baby which you may find useful. The relationship abuse page can help you think about finding people and places which are safe for you. It is important for you to remember that if you ever feel that you or your baby are in immediate danger that you can get help quickly by calling 999 and telling them what is happening at that time.

You’ve taken a really brave step to get in touch with me and I hope you will feel able to talk to someone in your life who can help you. If you would like to talk more the ChildLine counsellors are there for you 24 hours a day. You can talk to them confidentially on the phone by calling free on 0800 1111, by sending an email or by logging on for a 1-2-1 chat.

Take care,

Sam