You have learned a lot of information about how to be safe. Making good decisions involves reviewing your choices, evaluating your consequences, and selecting the best options. Healthy relationships are built upon trust, communication, and mutual respect. Communication can be verbal or non-verbal. Lastly, assessing risk and avoiding dangerous situations can help prevent abuse.

 

One of the most important lessons, however, is that abuse is never the fault of the victim. If you are a victim of abuse, there are many people who want to help you. All you need to do is ask.

 

Below are some resources to help you if you need more information.

 

http://www.d2l.org

http://www.childmolestationprevention.org/

https://www.rainn.org/

https://www.childwelfare.gov/

http://www.breakthecycle.org/

 

 

Before you go to the next page, make sure that you’re ready for your assessment.

 

 

Admitting that you are in an abusive relationship, or have been the victim of sexual assault, can be challenging. You may not want to talk about it and instead deny that the relationship is unhealthy, or that you have been a victim of assault. You also may feel scared that your partner will get into trouble. Unfortunately, ignoring the problem will only make it worse. If you feel that you are in danger, you should tell a parent, teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult to get help immediately. They will do so without making you feel bad about asking for help. Your safety is the highest priority.

 

If you or anyone you know has experience with these or other difficult situations, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Talking to a parent, teacher, counselor, family member, or other trusted adult can help you to resolve the situation before things become too difficult to control.