My dad has been physically abusive before and has been in legal trouble because of it, but my mom always lets him come back. Every once in a while it'll get bad again.

It's gotten to the point I feel depressed and out of control and feel it's my fault because they were happy and now they're not...and in between these times they had me. Sometimes I get too scared to even leave my room, especially if only my dad is home. I’m scared, uncomfortable and I don’t know what to do.

Hey girl! I’m so sorry about your dad. You shouldn’t feel unsafe in your own house, and this isn't your fault AT ALL.

Your mom probably wants to get away from the abuse, too, but it can be hard to leave an relationship--especially since she's been with your dad for so long. She probably still loves your father and when he tells her he’s going to stop, she might believe him. Leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the hardest things a person ever does.

Your father has probably always had the tendency to get violent, and things were probably not as good as you think before you were born. Please don’t take the blame for something you can’t control. His anger has nothing to do with you.

by Liz | 2/1/2016