Abused in primary school.

Do You Internet Bro

About 7-9 years ago when I was in school I had bad ADHD. I would mess and cause trouble all the time.

1. My 4th class teacher slapped me across the face and threw my bag across the room.
2. The principle pulled my t shirt over my head and dragged me down the corridor to his office.
3. Another teacher in the school sat me down on the ground and jammed his knee into my back and pulled both arms across my body. I screamed out to spot that he's hurting me but he wouldn't. (i did get into a fight before hand but that's still that's no way to treat a kid right?)

Is there anything I can do after leaving it this long?

linguist

Hi. I just spotted your post and I'm surprised that nobody has answered you yet.

The first thing I'd like to say to you is that I'm so sorry about the treatment you received. You're obviously still a young person given the time span you mention. I hope that life has been better for you in more recent times.

Of course these experiences have remained with you and I imagine that the memories are very painful.

Let me tell you at this stage that I'm a secondary teacher and I can assure you that corporal (physical) punishment was most definitely against the law at that time - it was outlawed in 1982. Now, it is true that teachers can step in to stop a fight and prevent worse injury but based on what you've said in point 3 - and you're very honest to admit you got into a fight - the force used seems excessive.

I am not a legal expert but there are many examples of people who have been prosecuted for abuse many years later.

So the question is - what do you want to do? The first thing is that you have to think about what's best for you. You need to live a long and happy life and you have to do whatever it takes - legally! - to make that happen.

If you are looking for emotional or psychological support - counselling in essence - you should seek it. It's easy to look up counsellors online or your GP could help. However, anyone you talk to will probably ask if you wish to make a complaint to the Gardaí. That would be entirely your choice.

If you want to go the route of making a Garda complaint, I would advise you to take the time to write out for yourself as clearly as possible what happened. Stick to the facts and be complete - just as you were in your third point above! Then, you can go to any Garda station.

I would advise you to think of somebody around you that you trust and who you feel you can confide in. Despite that terrible experience, was there maybe a teacher who made a positive difference in your life in secondary school who you feel you could approach? Or of course a family member, sports coach, local politician etc. Somebody who might be able to 'hold your hand' and go with you to make a complaint. Another obvious person would be a solicitor.

I'm sure it took a lot for you to post that here. I have to say that it's terribly shocking to think of that abuse going on in a primary school in the last ten years. Don't feel guilty about seeking justice and happiness. I wish you well and hope it all works out for you.

Do You Internet Bro

Thank you for replying! I decided that I'll write everything down that happened and tell my mother about it. Then think about how we will move forward with it.

linguist

That sounds like a very good, calm approach in every way.

From the bottom of my heart I wish you all the best. Do open up and take the help and support that comes your way. There are so many good people in the world who will want the best for you.

And, although I'm sure you know this, don't forget that there's always a kind person only a free phone call away - the Samaritans are on 116123 and they are wonderful if you need them.