[Folk_guy]

A agree with Bill, in that you do have the right to defend yourself, but you also have to think about what the possible consequences of this are. If this person is bigger, more powerful, or stronger than you are, fighting back could just provoke further and more serious violence against you. You said in a previous post you are out of there in a year and a half, what about your sister, is she going to have to take the brunt of the abuse, when you leave? You need to consider both of your welfare, when you think about what course of action to take. Although it isn't an ideal situation, if you are really afraid of physical violence at home, there are professionals out there who can help you, and find you a safe place to stay.

[Gods*Armygirl]

So maybe it's best that I find someone else who can stand up for me, or someone who can talk to specific people who have been violent with me if they do it again?

When someone is smaller than me I usually don't do much to stop them. When someone is bigger than me, I tend to just push or shove them away. I usually don't do more than that because most of the time it is true that they are bigger, and I know stronger, than me, and I feel like I'd only be sinking to their level of dealing with things. I'm always afraid to hurt someone mentally like I've been hurt. I'll try to think of more ways to avoid the violence without getting violent myself.

The boy who I helped out was probably only about 10. I've known him for awhile so he isn't a random boy off of the street. I helped him because I didn't want him to fall and get hurt (we were at a playground).

That's true about my sister. She's 5 years younger than I am. The furthest I've gone to talking to a professional is one online. I don't know any in person and I don't think I could suggest I see one because my family is tight on money right now and they would need to know why I asked for it. I can't get them to take me to a hospital. I dont' think they would take me to see a therapist or anything related to that.

[Novan_Leon]

Rather than talk about fighting and self defense, if you have any doubts, you should just leave the house. Move out, get away, do anything but just get away. This will also help them not to make the same mistake again.

I'm sorry, I know you didn't ask for advice. Just remember one thing, the more open you are and the more people are aware of your situation, the safer you will be. If nothing else, this will create awareness for the perpetrator and possibly help him/her not to make the mistake again.

Yes, it is normal to be afraid. I know I would, regardless of whether or not the other person actually hurt me or not.