“When Jess told me her Uncle was making her do stuff she didn’t want to do I knew I had to tell my Mum even though Jess had asked me not to. Mum talked to Jess about it and her parents. Jess’s Uncle stopped doing it and now Jess sees a counsellor to help her talk about it. I’m so glad she’ll be ok.”

Sirina, 10

What is abuse?

If someone is doing something which hurts you, is saying things to you, hitting you or touching you in ways you don’t like you have every right to say STOP it.  The jargon buster can tell you more about what abuse is.

You can say no to grown ups if they’re doing something wrong, even your parents, carer, older brother or sister….
It’s not your fault and you can get help to try and make it STOP.

You should tell someone else what you think is happening. Talk to an adult who you trust, a neighbour, a youth worker or a teacher.

Where can I get help?

Call the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 – someone will listen to you. It’s open all day and night and is free.

Call Childline free on 08001111. Calls are free from most mobiles and will not show up on your phone bill.

Hull Women’s Aid can help try and put an end to abuse in the home against women and children. Call (01482) 446099. Have a look at the Hideout website: www.thehideout.org.uk

What if I’m too scared?

Don’t keep it to yourself. If someone scares you into keeping a bad secret, talk to someone you can trust about it. Keeping it a secret will not make it go away.

No one has the right to hurt you. Being abused is never your choice or your fault.

What will happen if I tell someone?

It may seem like everyone is too busy to stop and listen to you. If the first person you speak to doesn’t know what to say. Talk to someone else.

Telling someone can stop the abuse from happening. It can help you understand the choices you have and help you sort out the problem.

You might be worried that your family will be split up. Most children stay at home unless it is dangerous for them. Remember abuse isn’t your choice or your fault.

I was abused when I was younger - should I tell someone?

Yes, you should tell someone – the person who hurt you might be hurting other children as well.

If you don’t feel you can tell your parent or carer try talking to someone you trust a teacher, neighbour or a youth worker.

Try telling someone at a helpline. They’re used to hearing about these things and won’t judge you for not telling until now.

Call the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 – someone will listen to you. It’s open all day and night and is free.

Call Childline free on 08001111. Calls are free from most mobiles and will not show up on your phone bill.

Please remember that what happened wasn’t your fault.