When I was about 13-14 there was a lot of abuse in my home mainly from my parents to me. Now I know more information of classic abuse situations, I had one written by the very definition. I was told that we don’t talk about our family situations outside of our home to anyone.
I got the courage to speak to my bishop about it. I was scared to death because of what would have come afterward had my parents found out I spoke with someone. I told the bishop what abuse was going on in our home and he said that he would have a meeting to discuss with me and my parents to come to a reasonable solution. I told him I was scared and didn’t know what to do because they put on a face and then behind closed doors it was horrible. He said if I didn’t want to speak with my parents and him there was nothing that could/would be done.
I went home and felt stuck and didn’t think there would be any help for me. I was abused for 5 more years until I was able to move out of the house after high school.
Bishops should have resources of numbers available for people who know how to professionally handle situations. It is an easy fix to post those outside his office door.