The Guidance Guy Advice Column

Dear Guidance Guy,

At school a few days ago I was assaulted in between classes. I don't know who it was. I didn't get a good look at them. All I remember is that there was two of them and one of them was very tall. I'm too embarrased to tell anyone and I'm scared to death when I walk to classes now. I dont know what to do. I'm scared I did something to bring it on, but I don't know, I'm just confused and embarrassed. Please help.

Hurt and Confused

*** *** ***

Dear Hurt,

What do you mean when you say you were assaulted? Did someone hit you? Knock you down? Was this a sexual assault? Whatever it was, it needs to be reported to your school's principal immediately. You also need to let your parents know.

Schools are supposed to be safe places. Right now yours isn't, at least not for you. And I'm guessing you weren't the first victim of whoever did this to you, and you won't be the last. You have the power to help put a stop to this.

Violence grows in places where people are too afraid to talk about it. You don't have to be confused or embarrassed. You can be firm. You can say you are too good to let things like this happen to you without taking a stand. And you'll be right. Let your parents and the principal know what's going on.

Thanks for an important letter,
The Guidance Guy