First, know you are not alone. Every day, thousands of kids are abused in the United States, adding up to millions each year.

Usually, children and teens are abused by people closest to them—parents, other relatives,  friends, neighbors, teachers and coaches—the very people children should feel safest with.

Remember…

• No one has the right to abuse you.
  
  
• You don't deserve to be abused.
  
  
• It's not your fault.
  
  
• It is wrong that you are suffering this pain, fear or sadness.
  
  
• Sometimes abusers scare or threaten kids so they won't tell.
  
  
• There are people who care about you and want to help.

If you are being abused, you need to tell a trusted adult -- a relative, teacher, counselor, school nurse, neighbor, clergy or other parent.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, call the Childhelp USA? National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) then press "1" to talk to a counselor.

The hotline counselors are there 24/7. You can call this number if you live in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The call is free and anonymous, meaning hotline counselors don’t know who you are and you don’t have to tell them.