What you need to know...

If you have clicked on this page it probably means you have some questions or are curious about sexual abuse. What it is? And what to do about it? This page is designed to help answer some of your questions. Let's start by saying that your body belongs to you and no one else. If anything is being done to you that makes you feel uncomfortable (even if it isn't abuse) you have a right to say no. Sexual abuse can mean many different things:

• It can be any kind of touching of private parts by an older person or unwanted or forced touching of private parts or other sexual behaviors. Often kids put up with the touching because they are afraid of getting in trouble, or they are being given gifts or extra attention, or they are being threatened in some way or because sometimes the touching felt good.
  
  
• There can be other reasons for kids to put up with unwanted touching too. Even if you didn't say no, it is still sexual abuse.
  
  
• People who abuse children use many tricks to get kids to not tell.  
  
  
• Sexual abuse is also when someone shows a kid pictures, videos or computer images of sexual behavior.  
  
  
• Sexual abuse is also if someone shows you his or her private parts or wants you to show yours.  
  
  
• Sexual abuse is also having someone do sexual things with someone else, where that person knows that you can see what is happening.

What you should do...

if you are being sexually abused or if something is happening to you and you're not sure?  

First you can SAY NO to anything that feels uncomfortable or unsafe. You can also call one of the counselors at the Children's Advocacy Center. Call 269-343-1651 and ask to speak to a counselor in the Children's Advocacy Center with any questions about sexual abuse. We are here to help. You can tell someone like a trusted adult, if that person does not believe you, then tell someone else and keep telling until someone does believe you.  

You can also report sexual abuse directly to Children's Protective Services, 269-337-5046 which is part of the Department of Human Services or you can call or tell a police officer.  

Sexual abuse is not only unsafe for children but it is also a crime and no matter how it happened, the child is never to blame for being abused.