DD’s friend abused by her brother

[Vinniepolis]

Hi, DD’s friend has confided in her that she was sexually assaulted by her older brother some time last year. He is coming back home soon (I’m not sure from where) and she is obviously in a state. It sounds like her home life is a bit shit. She hasn’t told her parents but I get the impression they wouldn’t react well. I just don’t know what to do. Tell the school? Bring her back to our house? What happens if her parents want her back? She is 15. Anyone else been in this situation?

Talk to the school, they should have a safe-guarding lead.

Well it’s unconventional but if I were you I would house her. We had my brothers friend live with us from the ages of 15-17 as he came from an abusive home. It was on the whole a very good experience.

You can of course speak to school, which is a good idea.

Thinking about the current pandemic-bound state of the education sector, I would personally consider contacting the police and/or social services directly. Have a look at the school's website and see if you can find contact details for the named person for child protection (you should be able to).

Thanks, I contacted her head of year, who has passed details to the safeguarding lead altho yet to speak to him.

Id definitely report , I’d be very anxious but I’d go straight to the police
It’s scary as it will open a huge can of
Worms - but it does ultimately mean she is less at risk of it happening again
If you can I’d encourage her to be at your house and stay as often as you can
Your DD and maybe she will react to the reporting
Probably negatively
But when they grow up they will realise you did the right thing

Call your local safeguarding board and raise a concern

Glad you've spoken to the school.

How would your DD feel if her DF came to live with you?