Unfiltered Story #343233

TW: Abuse and self-harm

About 10 years ago I was a high school student . I was unfortunately living in a heavily abusive household, subject to regular physical violence as well as emotional abuse and neglect. Unfortunately being raised in that atmosphere I thought it was normal.

I had a tutor who met us as a group every school day from the ages of 11 to 16. She never liked me from the start, I was quiet and unassuming, just working hard. My grades never dropped enough for any special attention, and I wasn’t charismatic enough for people to like me. She would blame me for the bullying I suffered in the school. She always liked to make comments to knock me down (like if I said I liked a show she would call it immature)

One day I was given a grounding (being made to stay in at lunchtime because I talked over her) and I burst into tears and freaked out completely. I also got in trouble for being violent in school (I never did it again after) and I told them there was violence at home, but I was just told it was not an excuse.

Unfortunately my parents were charismatic and charming and my tutor loved them. I think that’s why she ignored the bruises and broken bones and never did anything to help.

I started self-harming at about the age of 13, for about a week. A year later my tutor discovered this. She went mad and told me that if I did not tell my parents she would call them and tell them.

(She also referred me to the school counsellor who told me the abuse was my fault)

I told my parents that night and it was without a doubt the worst night of my life. I was screamed at for hours on end just because of this teacher. All these years later I still remember how horrible that was.

I now live with a severe mental illness caused by the environment, and still struggle with physical disabilities from the neglect and injuries I suffered.

Sometimes I can’t help but wonder what would have happened to my life if that tutor had reported any of it.