RAISE YOUR VOICE!
If you are a child living in a home where there is a lot of yelling and swearing, throwing things, pushing or hitting – this is called family violence. Witnessing family violence can be very upsetting and frightening. Violence in the home is always wrong and it is never the child’s fault. These tips may help you learn more about types of violence, how to stay safe, what to do, where and how to get help if you or someone you love is being hurt or threatened.
Often children think they have done something to cause the violence in their family. This is not true, but sometimes you might:
IF YOU THINK YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY IS BEING ABUSED:
There are important things you should remember if you think that you or someone in your family is being abused. These include:
-The person who is being violent may try to make you feel responsible, ashamed or guilty about what is happening at home. You are not to blame for their actions – what they have done is wrong. It is not your fault and it’s not a special secret. Family violence is a crime.
-Don’t believe them if they say something bad will happen to you if you tell someone about what is happening at home. There are people who will listen and can help you
-Keeping family violence a secret is unsafe. It’s okay to tell someone and it will help you and your family to become more safe.
-Nothing is so awful that it can’t be talked about.
-Help is available.
STAY SAFE!:
Talk to people – find someone you can trust and who will listen to you. It might be someone in your family, your friends’ parents, a counselor, your teacher, the police or another trusted adult. They will help protect you.
Keep on telling different people – if you feel you are not being heard or your problem is not being fixed, keep telling people until someone takes some action and you feel safe. Don’t stop telling because you have not yet been listened to.
Remember that your body belongs to you – no one should touch any part of your body in a way that makes you feel scared or confused or hurt. This includes your private body parts. It is okay to firmly tell someone to STOP if they are touching you in a way that hurts or makes you feel confused or uncomfortable.
Know the difference between safe and unsafe touching – some touching is friendly and helpful such as hugging friends and family members, holding hands with a friend, play wrestling with your brother or giving your sister a shoulder massage.
What to do if someone you know is being abused:
-Listen and believe your friend and offer them comfort, understanding and support.
-Try not to appear shocked.
-Encourage them to tell an adult they trust or to report it to the police and let them know you will accompany them if they want.
-Don’t keep it to yourself, tell an adult you trust. It is important that your friend is made safe and that the abuse does not continue to happen
-Give your friend phone numbers of services who can help and details of online resources such as the Bursting the Bubble website.
If You or anyone you know is being abused Please reach out to help or for help. Help is out there! No one should have to be abused! Especially Children!
Also you can call the Kids Helpline at 1800-55-1800
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