I reported them !!!!

[Bex plague]

I took all your advice and reported my parents, me and my baby brother are now staying with my brother. I'm getting more support with my disability aswell and I have finally named my baby brother Alexander Lucas. My baby sister has gone to our grandparents since our grandma only wanted her.

Soon there will be a court case, so what do I have to do at the court case, do I have to be in the same room as my parents?

[Enchanted ❧]

Hey there,
I can not tell you exzactly what will happen, but I can tell you what happened when I went to court. This may you give you some Idea of what it is like.

First there is a pre trial, you may or may not have to testify at this. I did not, but my little sister did. Then if the judge decides that there is enough evidence to take it to trial, it will move up to a higher court. Then once in the higher court the defense and the prosocution will call all there witnesses. Your attorney will probably prep you before you are called to the stand. The judge and the jury will listen to everyones arguments. The jury will debate and come back guilty or not guilty. I will forwarn you it coulld take sometime so you must be patient with the system.

I know this is scary, but you can do it. Keep your head help high, and be the confident 13 year old that I know you are. If you need anything let me know. <3

Trish

[Nostalgia]

That's good you told someone and that your brother is looking after you.

As for court, I'm not really sure what happens at a court, but when I was possibly going to court to give evidence the police officer said that they would put up a screen between me and the people that I was giving evidence against. I would imagine you would either be in a separate room and will give evidence via video link or that you will be in the same room as them but with a screen in front of you so that you cannot see your parents and that they cannot speak to you. It might be an idea to ask the police officer /officers who you told or the person who has told you it's going to court. They would be the best people to ask.

[Hallelujah]

Good luck, and well done. You've done an incredibly brave thing here, and I know it was difficult. Just keep your head up, and if you don't want to face them in court, I'm pretty sure you can be kept seperate if you ask beforehand.

Stay strong, the worst part is over with and from now on, everyone is on your side. Child abuse is NEVER taken lightly, and you'll recieve plenty of support from all authorities. Talk to them and us as much as you need to, and you will get through this, and everything will be so much better afterwards.

[Kitty.]

Hey,

Trish outlined the basic process for what will most likely happen in court. Before you go to court, you can ask that you don't see/talk to your parents. Child abuse is serious and they will respect your wishes. In addition to what you have been told already, I want you to know that I am so proud of you for reporting it. It always makes me glad to see children getting out of abusive homes and into safety. You are so brave. Keep your chin up. I'm here if you need me.

Take care,
Kitty.

[snakewhisperer28]

Good job! Im sure that was hard to do, but you did the right thing. Good luck, be safe

[Gidig]

Congrats! I'm so proud of you, and admire you for telling. That's such a big step, and will help you be safer and happier in the long run. =)

Any questions you have, people from the court system like a social worker, police officer, or anyone should be more than happy to answer your questions. It's their job! It can be scary to do that, especially up against your parents. There is a possibility you may have to. In cases I've seen mostly though, I do believe my friends just had to talk to a social worker, but I don't know if that had to do with their age, case type, or anything of that sort.

I wish you the best of luck!
Maria.