Sibling Rivalry or Abuse

by Lauren
(Pennsylvania, USA)

It all began when I was a little girl. About 8 or 9, to be exact. My older brother would smack me in the face, call me ugly, fat and stupid. He would also threaten to hurt me if I didn't do what he says. Now I am 13 years old, more mature and independent. My older brother is 14 and still treats me like this. He constantly mocks me, insults me and picks on me. I tell my mom, but she doesn't do anything at all. I am too scared to tell anyone else. I told my BFF and she has been through it all too. I told my dad but he says to "ignore him." Um, HOW CAN I IGNORE HIM IF HE PHYSICALLY SMACKS ME IN THE FACE?! I can't call the police because I am worried that he will pretend that he is innocent. But when he is out of the house or in his room, I scratch myself so I can calm down. The scratches calm me down. I just wish that my brother would leave me alone. He doesn't ALWAYS hurt me. Sometimes (very very very rarely) we get along. We like some of the same things and thats the only thing I like about him. Besides that, I hate him. I really really do. I wish I could live somewhere else. I need to talk to someone about this. Anyone. I can't talk to my BFF because she is going to high school. She's my only friend.

Email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses AND website/blog URLs in submissions and visitor comments are STRICTLY prohibited. Please don't include them, as they will be removed.