Children’s Page

Do you ever feel like this?


You feel worried and sad, and maybe sometimes angry, about your family.

Your stomach is in a knot when you go home and both parents are there.

You are afraid to bring friends home in case one parent is in a bad mood.

You sometimes feel that you have to protect one parent from the other.

Things can be tough at home. Who can you talk to? Call the police at 911 if you are in danger right now.

Or

Call the Children’s Helpline at 310-1234.

 

Do you live in a family where:


One parent acts in a way that scares the other parent? Are you afraid of them, too?

One parent has hurt the other? (For example, hitting, kicking, pulling hair, throwing things?)

One parent is always the boss?

One parent stops the other from going out and having friends?

One parent threatens the other? (For example, says they will hurt the other or says they will take the kids away from the other?)

One parent won’t let the other have any money?

One parent says hurtful things to the other? (For example, calling them stupid or lazy or worthless?)

One parent tries to get you to take sides against the other?

 

Did you know:


This is abuse.

It’s not your fault.

Other children and youth have had experiences like this.

It’s not your job to protect a parent.

There is help available for you and your family.

You deserve to feel safe

 

How To Get Help


Is there an adult you trust? Tell them what’s going on at home.

Tell your teacher or principal or ask to speak to the School Counsellor.

Call the Children’s Helpline at 310-1234.

Call the Lilli House Crisis Line at 338-1227.

Call the police at 911 if you are in danger right now.

 

How To Stay Safe

You Need An Action Plan!

Here are some ideas for an Action Plan for Safety:


Plan somewhere you can go when things get scary at home. Do you know a neighbour?

Plan on having a way to get there. Even in your pajamas, just grab your shoes and go.

Keep the phone number of a trusted adult where you can always find it. Let them know ahead of time that you might call because you need them to come and get you.

Even relatives out of town can help in an emergency by calling someone else to help.

Dial O for operator and they will help you for free.

Keep 25 cents somewhere safe to make a phone call from a pay phone.

 

Here are some ideas other children and youth have used to stay safe:

“I go to my friends’ houses a lot.”

“I call my grandma and ask her to come and pick me up.”

“I keep enough bus fare in my pocket to go to my uncle’s house.”

“When I’m really scared, I call 911.”

I know my Aunty’s phone number off by heart.

Remember: You Have The Right To Be Safe!