Are you hurting a child?
You may be visiting this page because you are concerned you might be hurting a child, you might be experiencing feelings of guilt or remorse, or perhaps because the reactions of other people have made the process of seeking treatment difficult.
Child abuse is not an easy subject to talk about, whether it is sexual, physical or emotional abuse, or neglect.
It is important for you to seek help.
Keeping your secret will continue to harm you and your victim(s). Seeking help will get you the support and help you need to avoid harming children.
This page contains basic information to help you.
- Why am I doing this?
- Should I tell if I am abusing or hurting someone?
- What will happen to me if I tell?
- Where can I get help?
See also:
Why am I doing this?
This is a very complicated question, and your answer will be unique to who you are as a person.
Sometimes people who abuse were physically, sexually, or emotionally abused or neglected as children.
It is important to understand that being abused does not cause an adult to abuse a child. Like all people, abused persons make choices. Many people who were abused never harm a child.
Should I tell if I am abusing or hurting someone?
If you are abusing or hurting someone: Yes, you should tell. What you are doing is hurting someone else and also hurting yourself. It is important that you stop and get help, for both yourself and the child you are hurting.
Who you should tell depends on who you are and what you are doing.
- A sexual predator/offender needs to call the police (911) and self-report.
- An adult who is physically abusing a child needs to call the police (911) and self-report.
- A parent who wants to spank or shake a baby should call the Helpline.
- A parent who is having a hard time providing food, shelter or safety for a child should call the Helpline.
- A child
who is hurting another child should call the Helpline.
You can call the Helpline or you can call your local district office online, (listed in the blue pages of your phone book).
What will happen to me if I tell?
What happens when you tell depends on who you are and what you are doing.
In order for you
and your victim to get the help you both need, the police as well as child
protection staff may be involved.
The most important things are to stop and get help, both for the person you have hurt and for yourself.
Online offender resources are listed on links page.
From anywhere in BC you can call the Helpline for provincial resources. To self report, call your local police.
