Speaking up

            Growing up with an abusive father and a mother that was never around was very difficult for me as a child. Unlike other kids that always looked forward to going home, I on the other hand dreaded it. I was always terrified of everything because of what occurred in the house. I started to believe that this would never stop, and from that moment on I felt completely hopeless. As the years passed by slowly I became numb to the situation. Things eventually started to get out of control and I was no longer able to handle it anymore. I was scared to tell anyone what was happening at home because I was afraid my dad would find out. Before talking to one of my teachers, I hesitated. I was shaking, crying, and worried about what was going to happen, but at that very moment I knew my life was going to change.

            Being mistreated for so many years can change a person so much. You’re scared of doing or saying something because you think you’re going to get hit. From what I went through as a kid, I had that type of mindset, and it ruined a lot of opportunities for me. I believe that kids, young adults, or whoever is being abused in any way should speak up and tell somebody. People don’t believe that there’s help out there but there is, it just takes only one person to speak up and get help.

            I know what it’s like to be afraid of not knowing what’s going to happen after. I understand that it is extremely scary to open up and tell somebody something personal. What I do know is that things actually get better. It takes time to adjust to everything, but the outcome of it all is amazing. As of right now, I wouldn’t really say my life is absolutely amazing, but it’s definitely better than before and I am tremendously grateful for it all.

            It worries me a lot knowing that there are kids being abused by somebody at this very moment and there’s nothing we can do about it. Sometimes kids aren’t even able to get help because it’s too late for them. They are beaten up so badly that their own body’s just give up. Nobody should be abusing their children in any way whatsoever. Also, it’s very upsetting that some kids aren’t able to live their lives to the fullest due to the fact that they had careless, abusive parents. It’s not only pathetic but it’s very heartbreaking.

             Kids should know that there is help out there. Aside from being scared all the time and worrying about little things, all it takes is for one child to speak up. Therefore, I believe children that are being abused should tell an adult about what goes on so they can get help and change their life for good. It’s definitely the best thing they can possibly do if they want some type of change in their life. If I knew that telling an adult was going to help, I would have done it sooner.