How to tell someone

If there is abuse or violence going on at home and you do decide to tell someone about it, that's great. Remember children should not be hurt or made to feel frightened by anybody. That's why it's important to tell people you trust so they can help you feel safe again.

How to tell someone
Here are some different ways to tell someone about what's happening. Pick whichever way you feel comfortable with.

You can:

• talk about it face to face
• call someone you know on the phone or call Kids Helpline [link to number]
• if you are frightened call the police [link to number] - keep these phone numbers somewhere handy so you can find them easily.
• tell someone via email or text messages
• write a letter or
• draw a picture of what's happening and give it to someone you trust.

Who can you tell?
There are people you can tell who can help to make you feel safe. Choose someone who you feel comfortable with. It is important that you trust this person and feel relaxed talking to them.

When you talk to a professional adult (it may be your teacher, doctor, or a counsellor) everything you say will be confidential, which means they cannot tell anyone what you have said without asking you first. The only time they can tell someone else is if they think you or someone else is being abused or could be in danger. Click here for contacts.

If you tell someone and they don't listen or are not helpful, then keep telling someone else until someone listens, does something and you feel safe. Being abused verbally, sexually or physically, or seeing or hearing people or pets being abused, is very stressful and upsetting. Violence and abuse are also against the law.

It is important to try to talk about it so that they can help you to stop being hurt and start feeling safe again.

		Always remember: Everyone has the right to feel safe all of the time!