How can I keep myself
and my friends safe?
It is never your fault if you are sexually abused. But there are things you can do to help keep yourself safe.
…someone treats you in a way you don’t like. Your body is your space, and it is private. You
could say:
• Do not touch my body;
• Do not speak to me that way;
• I do not want to do the things you are asking me to do;
• Stop looking at my body;
• I know what you are doing is wrong and I’m going to tell someone;
• You are making me uncomfortable and I do not want to be alone with you.
And then, if you can, leave the situation and find someone safe to talk to.
…like your parents, carers or teachers, or other safe people in your life. Always tell them ifsomething doesn’t feel right. You can also ask for help through the support services if youdon’t have someone safe you can talk to.
…and listen to your body’s early warning signs. Sometimes your body will tell you ifsomeone or something isn’t safe. You might feel butterflies in your stomach, get shakyhands or a dry mouth, or feel your heart pounding in your chest.
Sometimes you might notice changes in them: they might behave differently and notwant to do activities they used to enjoy, start “acting out”, or tell you something hashappened to them. Watch our for the changes, be ready to listen, and check in by asking ifthere is anything they want to talk about. If they tell you they have been or they think theywill be sexually abused, it is important to believe them and tell a trusted adult.
If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and you decide to talk to someone, the first person you talk to may not be the right person. Keep telling other trusted adults or safe people in your life until you have been heard, believed and someone helps you. The right person will take steps to make sexual abuse stop.
