Skip to content
16 Days 16 Stories logo
donate

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Bag

I must have been about ten the night Dad decided to
Leave
The first time.
I grabbed my little brother and our bedding and headed next door
In Search of Grown-Ups
Because the banging was too loud
As we were settling for sleep on the curvy sofa, in front of the telly
The Man of the House
Returned
and punched The Woman of the House in the
Stomach. “ You’d better go” she said
So back we went
My Father was brushing his teeth.
Mum was hiding her Bruises
As I shook my sleeping bag out
over my bed 
He cried and
Told me
How much he loved Us.
Dripping snot.
Imagine…..

More stories

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking

Millions of women and girls are trafficked worldwide some into domestic servitude others into sexual exploitation.

Stop sign against a cloudy sky

Red flags and warning signs

A survivor talks about the red flags and warning signs in her experience of domestic abuse

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation

FGM involves deliberately cutting, injuring, or changing the genitals with no medical reason.

View all stories

IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Get help now
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Vimeo-v

IDAS

  • About
  • Careers
  • News and events
  • Contact
  • Sign up for latest news

What we do

  • Domestic abuse
  • Sexual violence and abuse
  • Children and young people
  • Training and learning
  • Safe accommodation

Get in touch

  • 03000 110 110 (North Yorkshire and Barnsley)
  • 0808 808 2241 (Sheffield)
  • 0808 2000 247 (National 24 hours helpline)
  • info@idas.org.uk

© 2026 Independent Domestic Abuse Services

Registered Address: 39 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ UK Charity Number 1102337 and Company Number 4984337 limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales
Website by Labrys Design

Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms and Conditions | Sitemap

Chat provider: Live Chat

  • Home
  • 16 Stories
  • More survivor stories
  • Share your story
  • Home
  • 16 Stories
  • More survivor stories
  • Share your story
Donate