Dear Brave One: You Deserve to Be Heard Even When It Feels Like No One’s Listening

To the teen reading this right now:
We know you’re scared.
We know you feel like no one will believe you.
And we know that even the thought of speaking up feels like it might shatter your world.

But please, hear this loud and clear: Your voice matters. Your pain is real. You are not alone.

At Hurt Me No More, we want you to know that your story—your truth—deserves to be heard, and more importantly, it deserves to be believed. Whether you’re being hurt emotionally, physically, sexually, or mentally, whether you’re being manipulated or silenced—it is not your fault. And no matter how many people try to make you feel otherwise, you are not the problem.

We’re here for you. Let’s talk about how you can speak your truth—safely, smartly, and bravely—even when it feels like the people around you won’t understand.

“But what if no one believes me?”

This is one of the hardest and scariest parts for so many teens. You might worry that your parents will accuse you of lying. That your friends will stop talking to you. That the adults you’re supposed to trust might say, “You’re just being dramatic,” or “You’re trying to ruin someone’s life.”

Sadly, some young people do face rejection, disbelief, and even anger when they open up. But that doesn’t mean you’re wrong to speak. In fact, it means your voice is even more important.

🟣 Truth isn’t always easy to hear, but it’s always worth telling.
The people who love you should want to protect you—not silence you. And even if your first attempt to speak out doesn’t go the way you hoped, don’t give up.

Who Can I Trust? Who Should I Talk To?

Not everyone will respond with the care and support you need—and that’s not your fault. But there are people who will listen, believe you, and help you make a plan. Here’s how you can start:

🧭 Start With One Trusted Adult

It could be:

A teacher who’s kind and patient.
A school counselor or nurse.
A friend’s parent who makes you feel safe.
A coach, youth leader, or mentor.
A relative who has always looked out for you.

Choose someone who has shown you empathy before—someone who won’t immediately shut you down.

📞 Call or Text a Help Line (even anonymously)

Sometimes, it’s easier to talk to someone who doesn’t know you at all. That’s OK.
Try:

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522
ChildHelp National Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Or reach out to Hurt Me No More—our team is here to support you too.

But What About Retaliation? What If My Family Turns Against Me?

You’re not imagining it. These fears are very real for many young survivors. You may be afraid your parents will call you a liar. That your siblings won’t look at you the same. That your friends will ghost you because their parents told them to.

This is the hardest part—feeling like speaking your truth could cost you the people you care about most.

But here’s what we want you to know:

🟡 Real love doesn’t abandon you. Real friends don’t cut ties because you spoke your truth.
If they do? That’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s a reflection of their fear, their ignorance, or their unwillingness to face the truth. And you do not have to carry their denial.

🟡 You have the right to be safe—even if it means stepping away from people who don’t protect you.
It’s okay to choose your healing, even if it means losing people you love. That pain is real—but it’s temporary. Your peace and your future are not.

How Can I Speak Up Without Losing Everything?

It’s all about moving forward carefully, thoughtfully, and with the right support. Here’s how:

Write it down.
If talking feels too hard, write a letter or message. Say what’s happening, how it makes you feel, and what you need.
Plan your moment.
Don’t feel pressured to blurt it out. Pick a time and place that feels safe—maybe during a school meeting, a quiet moment with someone you trust, or through a text or note if you’re afraid to speak out loud.
Have backup.
If you’re afraid your story won’t be taken seriously, ask a trusted adult or friend to be with you when you tell someone.
Know your rights.
No one—not even your parents—has the right to keep you in an unsafe situation. If someone is hurting you, manipulating you, or threatening you, help must be given.
Make a safety plan.
If you fear retaliation (like punishment, violence, or being kicked out), ask for help creating a plan before you speak. Counselors and hotlines can help you do this without escalating things too quickly.

You Are Not Alone, and You Are Not to Blame

So many other teens have felt what you’re feeling right now. Trapped. Isolated. Scared. Afraid that no one will understand.

But guess what? Many of them did speak. And they survived. And now they’re thriving, helping others, and building beautiful, safe lives.

That can be you too.

Every time someone like you speaks up, it makes the world safer for someone else. Your voice has power. You don’t have to be loud. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be honest, brave, and ready.

You are not your trauma. You are not your abuser’s lies.
You are light. You are worthy. You are more powerful than you think.

Let Hurt Me No More be your starting point. We will always believe you. We will always fight for you. And we will always remind you:

💜 Your story matters. Your healing matters. And we are here for you—every step of the way.

You are not alone. Not now. Not ever.
Let today be the day you choose you.
And when you’re ready—we’ll be here, with open arms and listening hearts.

🟣 Get Support Where You Need It — because silence should never be your only option.