People who are being abused need to get help. When the abuse is kept secret, it doesn't protect anyone from being abused. The abuse will continue and possibly affect more people.
If you need help right away and are in danger, call 911. Tell them your name and where you are so they can get you help.
If you or someone you know is being abused, find a trusted adult or your friend to talk to. Teachers and school counselors have been trained in how to recognize and report abuse. If the first adult you tell does not seem to listen, find another adult until someone responds.
Getting help and support is an important first step. Working with a therapist can help people sort through the complicated feelings and reactions that being abused creates. The process can help someone rebuild feelings of safety and confidence. Most teens who get the help they need report feeling much better about themselves.
It takes a lot of courage to talk about abuse, and it’s ok if sometimes it takes a while to feel strong enough to completely tell your truth. In the end, telling a safe person is the bravest thing anyone can do! Sometimes people who are being abused by someone at home need to find a safe place to live for a while. It is never easy to have to leave home. But it's important to be protected from more abuse. If they call a helpline, they can also help find a safe place for them to stay, if needed.
If you or someone you know needs help:
Go Back to Abuse Page