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How do I get help?

Getting Someone to Listen. Child abuse is a serious family problem, and no one can deal with it alone. Whether you are being abused for the first or 50th time, you must get someone to listen and help you.

Your first steps are to find someone you trust and tell them about the abuse, and to protect yourself if you are in danger of more abuse.

Each state has an agency that is set up to protect kids. It might be called Child Protective Services (C.P.S.), the Department of Human Services, Child and Family Services, or something similar. The state or county also has a hotline which takes child abuse reports. If you dial 0, the telephone operator can give you the number, and the call is often free. The person reporting the abuse does not need to give his or her name.

You can report abuse yourself. But often, young people prefer to talk with someone first about what to do. There are many places where people are available to talk. One place is in school. Guidance counselors, teachers, social workers, and principals can help you figure out if you are being abused and know how to report abuse. In fact, they are required to report abuse if they suspect it is happening to you.

You could also go to a nearby hospital or mental health clinic where counselors, social workers or other staff can help. They are trained to work with families to help end the abuse or work with you so the hurt you've suffered can be stopped. These people will also be required to report abuse if they suspect it is happening.

There are also telephone counselors you can call who will listen and try to help you sort out what to do. You don't have to give your name or tell where you are, so some young people find it easier to call and talk before doing anything else.

The Covenant House NINELINE 1-800-999-9999(TTY: 1-800-999-9915) is ready to talk with you any time you call. We can help you figure out what to do.

Child Help USA
provides crisis counseling, referrals and help in reporting child abuse
1-800-422-4453

National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence provides information and referrals for help
1-888-222-2000

National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.ndvh.org
(800) 799-SAFE (7233)
(800) 787-3224 (TDD)

National Family Violence Helpline
(800) 422-4453 (Child Abuse)
(800) 799-7233 (Domestic Abuse)
(800) 879-6682 (Elder Abuse)