Soraya

My boyfriend was in a bad situation at home. He hadn’t told me all the details but said he hated his dad and he was always really down about it. He hardly ever invited people over to his house, including me. Once I dropped in at his place and he hurried me to go out. His dad was not friendly to me at all, he barely spoke. I could tell something was seriously wrong.

Finally, I asked him about it. He told me that his dad is often angry and aggressive towards his mum. I suggested telling a teacher or the school counsellor, but he said no, he didn’t want to get anyone in trouble and he was worried he’d get taken away from home. It was hard ‘cos I was worried for him, but he trusted me, and I didn’t want to break his trust.

One night I rang him and his voice sounded really strange, really different. I heard his dad yelling in the background and he said he had to get off the phone. I got scared that he could be hurt too. I texted him but he didn’t answer.

The next day I told him I was worried because what I’d heard on the phone had sounded bad. I told him I was going to ask my mum what she thought, without telling her who it was about. He was ok about that.

It all came out when I spoke to mum. I got upset and she guessed it was about my boyfriend. But actually mum was really good about it. She invited him over, and said to him that if there’s ever trouble at home he and his sister can come over to our place. At first he didn’t want to admit it, but then he ended up talking to mum. Mum also offered to speak to his mum to see if she needs some help. He seemed happy that mum was on his side and ready to help.

“He told me that his dad is often angry and aggressive towards his mum. I suggested telling a teacher but he said he didn’t want to get anyone in trouble. It was hard ‘cos I was worried for him, but he trusted me, and I didn’t want to break his trust.”

I’m really glad he trusted me to talk to him. And it’s a relief that my mum knows as well. We can help him deal with it.