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Child abuse is always wrong and it is never the fault of the child or young person being abused. These tips can help you learn more about child abuse, how to stay safe and what to do if you or someone you know is being abused.
Identify the people that you trust most in the world This might be Mum, Dad, Grandad, Grandma, your teacher, your aunty or uncle, brother or sister. There are other people you may feel you can trust such as policemen/women, your parents, friends, your friends' parents or a Kids Help Line counsellor.
Talk to someone you trust If you are feeling scared, sad or confused about anything, talk to a trusted adult.
Keep on telling Keep on telling different people if your problem is not being fixed. Keep telling someone until you feel safe.
Know that your body belongs to you No one can touch any part of your body in a way that makes you feel scared, angry, sad or confused. This includes your private parts. It is okay to tell someone to stop if they are touching you in a way that hurts or that you are not comfortable with.
Trust your feelings, Listen carefully to what your body tells you about being touched and watch out for any warning feelings that you might need help.
Know the difference between SAFE and UNSAFE touching Safe touching is friendly, loving or helpful such as hugging Mum or Dad, holding hands with a friend, play wrestling with your brother or giving your sister a shoulder massage. Unsafe touching is when someone:
- touches you when you do not want them to
- touches you in a sexy way
- touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, confused or scared
- if the touching is hurting you.
- if you are unsure in anyway about SAFE and UNSAFE touching, talk to a trusted adult.
Child abuse is wrong and never the fault of the young person. If you are being abused, you need to tell and keep telling until someone listens. It is important to remember:
- Someone may have tried to make you feel ashamed or guilty for what has happened. You are not to blame for something they have done wrong. It is not your fault.
- Don't believe them if they say something bad will happen to your or your family if you tell.
- It is an unsafe secret and it is okay to tell someone to keep yourself safe.
- Nothing is so awful that it can't be talked about.
- If you are not sure then listen to your body and your feelings.
If you need to talk to someone or report abuse you can phone a Kids Help Line counsellor 24 hours a day on 1800 551 800 or visit their website MORE
- If the person hurting you is someone in your family, you may feel safe if you tell someone outside your family first such as your teacher or a Kids Help Line counsellor.
- Keep telling until someone believes you. Keep telling until you feel safe.
- Identify someone that you trust to tell.
- Tell a trusted adult who can keep you safe help you to stop the abuse.
- It may be very difficult, painful or scary for you to tell and it may be hard for you to find the right words to explain. Take your time and try to explain how you have been hurt. Lots of kids find talking face-to-face very difficult so you might find it easier to write it down, make a phone call, send an email or to draw a picture.
If a friend tells you that abuse is happening or you suspect they are being abused:
- Believe your friend.
- Offer support.
- Try not to appear shocked.
- Encourage them to tell an adult they trust and let them know you will go with them is they want.
- Don't keep it to yourself, tell a trusted adult. It is an unsafe secret. It is important that your friend is made safe and that the abuse does not continue to happen.
- Help your friend to keep on telling until they are safe.
It is not okay to touch another person after they have told you they don't like it or asked you to stop. It is not okay to make others do something they do not want to do. It is not too late if you realise that you have been acting inappropriately towards others but you may need some help.
- Talk to your parents or a trusted adult about what is appropriate or inappropriate behaviour.
- If it is difficult for you to talk about it, you may feel more comfortable talking to someone like a Kids Help Line counsellor where your conversation is private, confidential and anonymous.
- If you are feeling angry or aggressive toward others, you may be going through a difficult time and need some extra help to cope with the stresses in your life. Talk to someone you trust about anything that is worrying or confusing you or you may like to call a Kids Help Line counsellor. Kids Help Line counsellors can be contacted 24 hours a day by phone on 1800 55 1800
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