Defend A Child

Sometimes, you just need someone to listen and BELIEVE YOU. You can text or chat with a RAINN support specialist 24/7 via the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Text: "HOPE" to 64673 Chat: RAINN.org/hotline Call: 800.656.HOPE (4673) & get connected to a crisis center near you You are not alone. #RAINN #NoMoreExcuses #SupportSurvivors #StopSexualViolence

At least 56,000 children are sexually abused every year according to U.S. child protective services records. And when kids experience abuse—or if they're being groomed for abuse—they can have a hard time asking for help. Dr. Donna Bulatowicz is an educator and a survivor of child sexual abuse who advocates for young survivors. She tells parents and caregivers, "You’ve got to give them the tools to know HOW to tell.” After all, a child isn't likely to say, “I'm being groomed,” or, “This person violated my body boundaries.” Instead, they may say something like, "That person is weird,” or, “That person is mean.” But those statements don't explain what's really going on. “Sometimes kids think they’re giving more information than adults might receive,” Dr. Donna said. “So it’s also important for adults to say, ‘Tell me more.’” Saying ”tell me more” invites a child (or any young person) to share more without telling them what to say, demanding disclosure, or requiring them to fully understand what happened. Click our Link In Bio to learn more of Dr. Donna's recommendations for preventing child sexual abuse and supporting kids who are victimized. rainn.org/prevention-tips-fo… #NoMoreExcuses #RAINN #SupportSurvivors #StopSexualViolence