Auntie Betty: My aunt is not good to me

 Dear Auntie Betty, my aunt says a lot of bad things about me, which are not true.

She makes sure my mum hates me so that her children will be liked by my mum, and I am sometimes abused.

What should I do?

Disturbed Girl,

Ho.

Dear Disturbed Girl, I guess you are staying with your aunt and not your mum? If that is the case, then you have to find a way to visit your mum and tell her what is happening. Alternatively, you could talk to an elderly person, a teacher or a school counsellor for them to hear you out and talk to your mum. You can also talk to a relative your mum trusts so that she could inform her (mum) of what you are going through. I believe your mum can solve the problem amicably to bring peace and harmony.

However, if you are still facing the same problem, after your mum’s intervention the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service has a dedicated hotline 0800 800 800 and 0800 900 900 to respond to issues of abuse. So you can call the unit and report to them. They are also in a position to handle the issue so you can have your peace of mind.

No one has to be abused in whatever form. It is a crime, unacceptable and you have every right to report your aunt or who ever is abusing you to be held accountable for his/her behaviour.

Domestic abuse is a serious issue. But most of the time, victims keep quiet, live in fear and suffer in silence. However, you do not have to be afraid. You need to speak up and get the necessary support.

Maltreatment and abuse will have a negative impact on your life so you need to get help immediately.

All the best.