How To Talk About Abuse

What is child abuse

Child abuse happens when someone harms a child on purpose.

How can someone abuse you?

Physically, by hitting and hurting you with a hand, a flat, a foot, or with some kind of object like an extension cord, or belt.

Sexually, when someone touches your private parts, like where your bathing suit or underwear covers, or makes you touch the private parts of his or her body.

Verbally, when someone like your parent calls you a name like "stupid" and makes you feel very bad with his or her words.

What do you do if someone abuses you?

If someone abuses you, tell your parents, a relative, a teacher, or some other adult you trust. Most adults will believe you.

If one adult does not believe you, do not give up. Keep telling people until you feel safe.

If someone has hurt you and told you not to tell, tell anyway. Keeping secrets can make you feel bad. Letting out bad secrets will make you feel better.

If someone touches you and it makes you feel funny or wierd, it is okay to ask questions, to say "no", or to get away.

Things to Remember

Sometimes strangers abuse kids, but sometimes kids are abused by someone they know like a parent, relative, teacher, or a family friend.

Abuse is never your fault.

If someone abuses you, rememeber to TELL, TELL, TELL!

Talk to an adult you trust.

Call the police immediately..Dial 911

Call the Child Abuse Hotline...Dial 1-800-252-5400