Will Aid

Emily's story

When Emily found the courage to call ChildLine she said that her uncle 'was doing something', but it took time before she could trust the counsellor enough to say what the 'something' was.

The counsellor told Emily she had been brave to call and ChildLine would not tell anyone else about her call without her permission, unless someone's life was in danger.

With time Emily felt able to say more. She told how she would go with her younger sister Angela to her uncle's house after school until their mum finished work. She said her uncle made her do 'rude' things she didn't like.

Eventually Emily described what was happening to her. Her uncle was having sex with his 11 year old niece every chance he had.

Emily felt trapped.

Her uncle threatened he might have to turn to her little sister if Emily didn't do what he wanted. He'd said, 'It's not so bad is it? You'll learn to enjoy it. Better you learn from me than some spotty teenager. Anyway, no one will believe you if you say anything.'

Emily spent every day dreading the bell to say school was over. She was convinced she had to endure sex with her uncle to prevent him from molesting her 9 year old sister. She was terrified he would find out about her calling ChildLine.

Aware of the danger that Emily might just end her call if she felt threatened by their conversation, the counsellor gently but firmly said that what was happening was wrong and not her fault. 'You don't have to put up with this Emily. You're not alone with this problem anymore and ChildLine wants to help you.' She tried to find out how much support Emily had in her life. What was the barrier to Emily telling mum about the abuse?

Emily said mum was always busy. Emily had hinted that she and Angela could go to a friend's house after school and it would be good because there were other children to play with and her friend's mum wouldn't mind... Mum was dismissive, 'You can't expect her to put up with you two every day. Now, don't start Emily because I haven't got time to be messing about.'

The counsellor explored Emily's feelings about telling her mum and what she thought might happen if the police or social services were involved. ChildLine could talk to them if that would help. But whatever Emily decided ChildLine would always be there for her. Emily decided she would write mum a letter that night and made an arrangement to let the counsellor know what happened next.

Next day she rang to say her mum became very upset when she read about what had been happening. She'd got the two girls together and asked if it was true because, if it was, it was very serious. To Emily's horror her sister said her uncle had been abusing her too. 'If I'd have told sooner maybe he wouldn't have done it to her..'

Emily's mum reported it to the police and the uncle was arrested. Mum supported both girls very well throughout the court case. Emily continued to call ChildLine and her sister also called when the time came for them to give their evidence by video link to the court. Emily gave ChildLine permission for the notes about her calls to also be provided as evidence.

Emily heard in court that her uncle had started abusing her and her little sister soon after the childminding arrangements commenced. In the months that followed both girls spoke to ChildLine with mum's blessing. 'Mum wants to help us but sometimes she get's so upset when we talk about him that we clam up. So she said it's good we have you to talk to as well.'

This case study draws on what children tell ChildLine, but it does not describe a specific case.