How can you help?

What can you do when a child you know is in harm?

Why?

Teens/child friend

Adult

Victium

Questions to ask yourself if you think you are being abused: Are you fearful of your caregiver? Do you feel trapped at home? Have you been touched in inappropriate ways or experienced physical violence? If you answered yes, seek help for yourself. "CALL 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) then push one to talk to a hotline consoler"(Childs help resources for kids 1)

Right now you probably feel helpless and scared, but you need to stay strong and push for change. First, you need to understand that you are worth more that what you are getting, and know that you are not alone. Understand that the actions being done to you isn't an average lifestyle for a child. You can get help by seek it. Talking to an adult or peer about your situation lets go of pressure and will lead you in the right direction for a stable lifestyle. The #1 option is going to a trusted adult and coming out about our situation. Set up a time and place to meet, and when you do, start slow and take your time. Be prepared for questions and change, the process will be emotional, but you can do it because you are strong.

However, be aware of the consequences that might occur if your abuser happens to catch you. Learn defensive skills that will protect you safety, ( https://lifehacker.com/5825528/basic-self-defense-moves-anyone-can-do-and-everyone-should-know )

Talk to your friend in private if you are considered about how they are being treated. Set up a time and place to talk, make sure it's a safe place where nobody will be listening. Offer them support and encourage them to seek safety and help. Remembered that they might be shy and embarrassed about what's happening to them. They will be in an emotional state so the best thing you can do is stay strong and show no fear while your face to face talking. However, be prepared for an emotionally response for when you are away from your friend.

Get help and head straight to a trusted adult and tell them the information you have received. Don't wait and see if the victim goes for help first, she/he might be too timid. Most kids think that by telling an adult about their friends situation, you are betraying them. Just know that all you want for them is to be in a healthy relation and safe from harm.

The best thing an adult can do for a child in a an abusive relationship is be there for support. Remember that a child may be very reluctant and shy about talking, but with time and constant reminders that you are there for help, the break walls that have been built of mistrust will break. If you are considered about a child's safety, observe him/her closely, look for physical signs and watch their behavior.

If you have reasoning that a child is being neglected, and you have been in contact, call your local DHS office and discuss the concerns that are present. Don't try to take the situation on alone, the Department of Human Services will guide you through the process of handling the situation and will start with reports of abuse.

In some cases a child will approach an adult about being mistreated. When this happens stay calm, listen, and believe in what they have to say. Go slow and ask basic questions to get the child to open up more about their experience.The next step you should take is saying 'thank you'. This assures them that they did the right thing by coming to someone, this also means that they trust you. While you have their trust, you should reassure them of their safety and that everything will be okay.

The number one reason why children don't speak up about being abused is because they still love and care about their abuser. In most cases the culprit is a relative of the children, the child knows nothing more than them as their caregiver and will protect them from anyone trying to take them away. Another reason that contributes to a victim not telling is the abuser might have convinced or threatened them to keep quite. They might have been told, if they confront someone about it, there would be consequences to pay such as beatings, a lack of food, or sexual punishment. An adult may also manipulate their child and other adults that everything is stable and living in a healthy environment. "Children often feel a sense of guilt over the abuse, and they may also experience self-destructive thoughts or a lost of trust or self-esteem." ( Reasons why children do not tell (2))

There are signs and symptoms that a child is living an abusive life in school, work, or home. You may be able to spot these signs and seek help for those in need. But how do you go about helping when the consequences could be severe?