'I secretly hope she leaves him'

I love my mom so much. She is kind, patient and funny. Sometimes she is also very sad, and looks like a wilted flower, usually after he puts her down. It seems like he's doing it more and more. He’s even started in on me. I just don’t understand why he’s like that. All the yelling, throwing things, pushing her around. I mean, I get mad when she says no, but I would never want to hurt her.

What’s wrong with him? What did she do?

I secretly hope she leaves him, or he runs away because I don’t want to see my mom get hurt anymore. I’m afraid he’ll hurt me too.

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC has a lot of resources on family violence. Maybe something on their website can help you in a time of need. 

And if you know of someone who’s in an abusive relationship, you can talk to the Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) about what to do.