Spotlight on the danger of abuse

It may sound strange, but people who have lived with abuse for many years may not even realize that they are being abused.

If you have grown up in a family where abuse occurs almost every day, you may think that hitting, pushing, or constant yelling are normal ways to treat the members of your family and other people.

Every family has arguments, but when yelling goes too far or lasts too long or when disagreements turn physical, that is abuse, and abuse is not normal or healthy.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 18-24, 2021

If you have been hurt—physically, sexually, emotionally, or due to neglect—you are a victim of abuse.

 

Abuse and neglect can affect the way you view yourself and the rest of the world.

You might—

Feel afraid, anxious, angry, confused, or sad.
Fear being hurt again.
Have trouble sleeping, eating, and concentrating.
Skip school or not do well in school.
Have lots of headaches or stomachaches.
Use drugs or alcohol.
Feel ashamed or even blame yourself for becoming a victim.
Have trouble with relationships with friends or other people.
Not know where to turn for help.

If you feel things are not so great in your family, or if things in your life hurt or confuse you, keep reading. You’ll see that it’s not your fault and that things can get better.

If at any time you feel that you are in immediate danger, we strongly urge you to call your local police department’s emergency number (911).

What Should I Do If I’m a Victim of Abuse?

The way to stop abuse is to talk about it. If you or someone you know is being abused, it’s important for you to tell someone you trust. Trusting someone after you’ve been hurt can be hard to do, but there are people who will believe you and want to help you. If there is no one you can trust at home, talk to someone at school, like a teacher, counselor, school nurse, coach, or a friend’s mom or dad. You should not keep the abuse a secret, even if the adult abusing you tells you that something bad will happen if you tell.

Sometimes, the people you turn to may not want to believe that you have been abused. If you talk to someone who is not helpful or who tells you to forget about the abuse, don’t give up. Tell someone else, and keep telling until you get the help you need to feel safe.

Talking to someone can help you—

Learn that the abuse is not your fault. No one deserves to be abused.
Get support to be safe.
Find out that you are not alone. Other people have been through similar things.
Start the process of feeling better and getting your life back more quickly.
Build trusting and healthy relationships.
Feel more hopeful about your life and the future.

Some adults are required by law to report some types of abuse to child protection services or the police. These professionals investigate abuse and find ways to protect youth and, if possible, keep families together. Although an investigation can sometimes be difficult and cause children and families to worry about what will happen to the abuser and to their family, remember that these professionals need to find out the truth so they can stop the abuse and get children and families the help they need to recover and get their lives back on the right track.

Victims of Domestic Violence

The most difficult step for you to take is to admit that you are being or have been abused by your partner. Remember, your partner’s violence is the problem, not you. You do not provoke it. You do not deserve it.

The physical and emotional suffering you experience may have long- and short-term effects. The suffering may seem to use up all of your energy. You may feel trapped, alone, and that you have lost control of your life. You may question yourself and your reactions. Regardless of your reactions, it is important to remember that every victim is different, as is every response to domestic violence. The reactions you are having to your abuse are normal.

Your safety is the first priority. Every person in an abusive relationship should have a safety plan—concrete steps you can take to stay safe or to get to a safe place if you or your family is in danger. Domestic violence shelters and advocates in your community can help you develop a safety plan that is tailored to your individual situation. The people closest to you can be part of your safety plan. Let trusted friends and family members know about your situation unless doing so will endanger you in any way. Know where to get help. Tell someone what is happening to you.

Remember, as a domestic violence victim, you are not alone. Do not lose hope.

Where Can You Get Help?

A domestic violence advocate can help you learn about your rights as a victim of domestic violence and provide you with information about your legal options, such as reporting the crime to local law enforcement or obtaining a protective order. An advocate can also connect you with your local women’s center, shelter, or domestic violence program, which can be another important resource for emotional support, shelter, or financial assistance. Local police, hospitals, churches, family or conciliation courts, crisis intervention services, or departments of health and human services can also give you information about local resources.

All states have crime victim compensation programs that reimburse victims for certain out-of-pocket expenses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial needs considered reasonable. To be eligible, you must report the crime to the police and cooperate with the criminal justice system. Victim assistance programs in your community can give you more information about applying.

It is important to remember that the abuser is the only one who can change his or her violent behavior. Many communities have batterers’ programs, which try to help abusers learn how to control or change their behavior. Participation in these programs is often a court-ordered condition when batterers are convicted of domestic violence charges.

Whatever type of domestic violence situation you are in, resources are available to you. You deserve help. You deserve support. You deserve to feel safe.

Child Abuse & Neglect

Child abuse and neglect is, at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation (including sexual abuse as determined under section 111), or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act).
 

Please read this factsheet on how child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal Law.

This factsheet outlines the legal definition of child abuse and neglect; the different types of abuse and neglect; and the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, including human trafficking. It also includes information on how to effectively identify and report maltreatment and refer children who have been maltreated as well as additional resources.

It takes courage to ask for help, but if you are abused and you tell someone, things can get better. If you are too nervous or scared to tell someone you know, you can talk to a counselor at the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

 

Learn how to apply for crime victim compensation and find contact information for victim assistance programs in your state on the Office for Victims of Crime Help in Your State page.

 
 

Resources for Information and Assistance

 
ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Crisis counselors are available to talk 24 hours/day.
1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453
www.childhelp.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline
This 24-hour online hotline provides free and confidential support to survivors of sexual assault and their families and friends.
www.rainn.org

National Runaway Switchboard
This confidential 24-hour service helps youth in crisis find local resources.
1-800-RUNAWAY or 1-800-786-2929
www.1800runaway.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-799-7233
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.thehotline.org
 
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
303-839-1852
www.ncadv.org

National Center for Victims of Crime
202-467-8700
www.ncvc.org

Life may try to knock you down, but if you are persistent with your passions and cultivate resilience, grit, tenacity, and endurance, success will come.
– AMIT RAY (1960 – )