DEAR ABBY: My parents died in a car crash when I was a little boy. I am now 14 and live with my grandfather and "Uncle Paul." My grandfather isn't able to work, so Uncle Paul is the only breadwinner in our home.
The problem is, when Uncle Paul gets drunk, he physically attacks my grandfather and me. I love my grandfather and don't like to see him hurt. But I don't want us to end up on the street, either. What can I do to make my uncle be nice to us? -- BLACK-AND-BLUE IN VIRGINIA
DEAR BLACK-AND-BLUE: Your uncle's drinking is out of control. What you have described is both elder abuse and child abuse. You can get help, but only if you get into the social services system. One way to do that would be to tell a trusted teacher or counselor at school what is going on. Do it now. Please don't wait until your uncle loses control to the point that he seriously injures you or your grandfather. Please do not be afraid that you will be "out on the street." Your grandfather may qualify for a small pension, and you should be eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).