First of all and most important - you must know the TRUTH: You are amazing, smart, beautiful, capable, creative, and an absolutely PRECIOUS human being JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.
I am not going to play-pretend with you. I am going to give it to you straight-up because you already know, you live it every day of your lives. Domestic Violence is THE worst for children, especially young children and I know that you have already discovered that you are some how not like other kids, that your family is not like other families. The truth is, if you are even reading this material at your age - you are in a very small percentage of kids that have the strength, courage, and ability to help themselves or their families. You are powerful.
If you or anyone in your family is being abused, you will need to get help. If you think your family is experiencing domestic violence - like this site talks about, you must read carefully the instructions I give you before you make a move.
Because you are a kid, you don't have as many choices as a grown-up but you can still get help. You must be very brave and you must try and trust adults. I know that your life has made it very difficult to trust people, but you must do as I say and do not stop until you feel safe.
1. Think of three adults that you know that work at your school. Do not put down anyone on your list that has visited your home or is friends with either of your parents. You might list someone like your Teacher, your Principal, a School Nurse, or School Security Guard. You don't have to know this person very well for them to be on your list. People that work with children professionally, like in a school, are required by law to help children if they tell them they are being abused.
2. You need to pick one of these people and tell them that you are being hurt by a family member and ask them to help you. If you feel like they do not 'get it' or that they do not believe you for any reason, then you need to go to the second person on your list, and then the third. Do not stop asking for help. It can be very hard for some people to believe that a parent would hurt their child - so don't lose hope because someone WILL help you.
3. If you are too afraid to ask for help. Find another way to do it. There are ways to get help where you don't have to talk face to face with someone.
- Call 911, they will immediately send someone out to help you. You can make this call from any phone - even a pay phone at the grocery store. Calling 911 is always free.
- If you want to talk with someone who not only can get you help but really understands what it is like to be abused and scared, then call
The National Domestic Violence Hot line:
phone: 1-800-799-SAFE, or
The Teen Abuse Helpline:
phone: 1-866-331-9474
- If you have access to a computer you can chat on line with someone who can help you, or chat with other kids that are experiencing the same problem.
Go to: LOVEISRESPECT.org
