Nicki’s story

"Sometimes I don’t think my family understands me, especially my mum. We often argue about who I can go out with and how much makeup I
can wear. I think I am old enough to look after myself and make these sorts of decisions on my own, but mum is always on my case.

Then there’s dad, who gets angry when I get bad marks at school – but it’s not my fault I don’t understand algebra! And my annoying little brother is always coming into my room and taking my things.

I just get sick of my family sometimes! But then the other day my best friend Kelly told me that her dad hits her mum and that he often threatens Kelly and her little sister.

I couldn’t believe it when she told me…I always thought her dad was nice enough. But when Kelly told me what had been happening she was shaking and obviously really scared. I want to help her get through this. Hearing about Kelly’s life, I’ve realised that my family can be
annoying, but that’s mostly because mum and dad are just trying to look after me and help me make the right decisions. I’m pretty lucky really…"