Child abuse is ALWAYS wrong, and is NEVER the child’s fault. Here are some tips to help you stay safe, and to teach you what to do if something happens.
Who do you trust?
Identify the people that you trust most in the world . This might be your mum or dad, your grandparents, your teacher, your auntie or uncle, your brother or sister, or even a friend. Talk to someone you trust if you’re feeling scared, sad or worried about anything.
Keep on talking
If your problem doesn’t go away, keep on telling people. Keep talking about it until you feel safe.
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’s okay to tell someone to stop if they’re touching you in a way that hurts or that you’re 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.
Safe or unsafe?
Know the difference between SAFE and UNSAFE touching. Safe touching is friendly, loving or helpful, such as hugging your parents, holding hands with a friend, play wrestling with your brother or giving your aunt a kiss on the cheek. Unsafe touching is when someone touches you in a way you don’t like, a way that hurts you, or a way that makes you feel frightened or uncomfortable.
What to do if you are being abused
If you are being abused, you need to tell and keep telling until someone listens. It’s important to remember that you’re not to blame and that you have no reason to feel ashamed or guilty. Nothing is so awful it can’t be talked about. Tell someone you trust and remember that it is not your fault.
How to talk to someone or report abuse
Choose someone you trust to tell. It might be hard at first, but keep on trying. If you need to talk to someone or report abuse and you’re not ready to talk to someone you know and trust, you can phone a Kids Help Line counsellor 24 hours a day on 1800 551 800.
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