A terrified little boy has been praised by police for picking up the phone when his mum was too afraid to call for help. The youngster watched his "angry and violent" drunken dad abuse his mum, and feared for both of their lives. The child's mum was too scared to phone the police - so he bravely did it for her.
The young boy was "upset but held it together and managed to find the words" to dial 999 and report the domestic violence. Thankfully now they both have support. Officers at Dyfed–Powys Police in Wales took to Twitter to share the heartbreaking story yesterday - and it's stopping people in their tracks.
The full thread reads: "Some time in the last month, one of our 999 handlers answered a call from a little boy who was so, so upset by what had just happened at home.
"He'd seen his dad hurting his mum because she wouldn’t give him something he wanted.
"His dad had been drinking and was angry and violent, so this little boy stepped in and tried to stop him. His mum was scared.
"So scared that she couldn't phone the police because she was worried about what her partner would do if he found out.
"So her son did it for her. This brave little boy who was terrified about what could happen to him and his mum next time.
"You see, it wasn't the first time he'd seen his dad like this. It's happened before, and he didn't want it to happen again. But he was worried it would.
"So he phoned 999 and explained everything. He was upset but he held it together and managed to find the words.
"It took so much strength to pick up the phone, but we're glad he did.
"We were able to show his mum where she can find support, and now she knows we're here for her."
The police department added: "But this little boy isn’t the only one living with domestic abuse.
"Sadly, we know there are other people – adults and children – who don't feel safe at home, and we want this to stop.
"If you can relate to any of this – if you're going through what this mother and son have been through and haven't told us, please remember that you can be as brave as them. We are here to protect you too.
"You can report domestic abuse, stalking and harassment: https://orlo.uk/msYhd. Email 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or call 101.
"If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. In an emergency, always call 999."
The tweets were commended by fellow users with one person writing: "This stopped me in my tracks."
Do you have a story to share? We pay for stories. Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
