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Please note: The Pulse Te Auaha and Doctor G have previously referred readers to the 198 Youth Health Centre.

This service no longer operates, but 198 Youth Health Centre counsellors now work from Waipuna Trust, 349 Woodham Road, Christchurch.
Phone 386 2159 to make an appointment. They provide a youth support service.

Find more local youth health and social services from Webhealth Canterbury.

Dr G's frequently asked questions: Abuse

I'm 17 years old and I got raped and beaten up 3 months ago. I found out that I'm pregnant what do I do? Should I contact the police and tell them that I got? I am really scared at the moment and I have been going out with this boy for two-and-a-half years but I don't know how to tell him. Should I even tell him? I think I should because I'm pregnant. Do you think that my boyfriend will dump me because I got raped and ended up pregnant?
Dr G replies:
Rape is a very serious crime and if you have been raped and beaten up you should definitely report it to the police. Women who have been raped also need a lot of support to recover. There are some good support services listed in the local Christchurch phone book Personal Emergencies: i.e. Safecare -Rape/Sexual Assault-24-hour crisis line phone 364 8791, The Sexual Abuse Centre phone 364 7324 and Victim Support 0800 942 846.
As far as your boyfriend goes, if you have a good relationship he would support you through this. If he doesn’t he’s probably not worth hanging on to.
What do you do when a guy forces you to have sex with him and you don’t want to and he gets angry?
What do you do when a guy forces you to have sex with him? Dump him fast. What he is up to is rape. Rape is any form of sex against the wishes of one of the people involved, including you. As anger is part of what he is doing now, then you may need support to make it clear to him that you don’t want him about. Talk to friends and, if possible, your parents or other adults to help you if needed. By that I mean if he keeps coming around. Just because you said ’yes’ to sex once, does NOT give him the OK every time he feels like it. It’s your body, your choice.
When your dad tries to commit suicide, and you were abused when your Mum physically abused you when you were younger and then your sister committed suicide and the only person you trust is your P.E. teacher and your doctor … What are you supposed to do?
Dr G replies,
You certainly have had a lot of difficult things happening in your life. Sometimes these things can overwhelm us and we need to talk to someone about them to help us deal with them and see a way forward with our lives. It is good that you feel you can trust your P E Teacher and your doctor. Is it possible to talk to them? By that I also mean is it possible to find time to really talk about things bothering you.
As you are in Christchurch you could also see a counsellor at the 198 Youth Health Centre in Hereford street. This service is free, totally confidential and staffed by people who really like young people. You could ring them on 3794 800 to make an appointment, although there is a waiting list of a few weeks. Think about whether you would want to see a woman or man. If things get tough for you and you need to talk to someone 'right now' have you thought about calling Youthline? Their number is 0800 37 66 33.

Got more questions?

If you have a question that has not been answered, you can ask Dr G.