“My body belongs to me.”
Never forget that you are in control of your body. No one, not even a doctor in most cases, has any right to put their hands on you. In any way. Ever!
Show me more Show me more“My body belongs to me.”
Never forget that you are in control of your body. No one, not even a doctor in most cases, has any right to put their hands on you. In any way. Ever!
Show me more Show me moreBody boundary basics for the bright and brilliant
No really, it’s MY body
The parts covered by a swimsuit are private. They belong to me, and I get to decide who sees or touches them. That includes photos.
It’s okay to say no to a hug
I can say no to a hug, a tickle, or any touch — even from someone I love or someone who is older than me.
Secrets don’t make people happy.
A surprise gets told soon and makes people happy (like a party). A secret about touching that I’m told to keep forever is not okay.
Trust myself
If something feels weird, confusing, or uncomfortable, that feeling is important. My body is telling me something, even if I can’t explain why.
What to do if someone crosses a line you don’t like
Say “No” or “Stop” loudly. Scream “help” if you have to.
You’re allowed to be firm, even with adults. A loud, clear voice is a powerful tool and you’ve got one.
Get away if you can
Walk or run to a safe place, like a room with other people, a public area, or anywhere you feel safer.
Tell a trusted adult right away
Use plain words about what happened. You won’t be in trouble, no matter what you were told. Literally no one is going to blame you for anything that happened to you.
Keep telling until someone helps
If the first adult doesn’t believe you or take action, tell another one. And another. You deserve to be heard. You can even call or text 911 in Indiana.
Remember: it was never your fault
No matter what you wore, said, did, or didn’t do — the responsibility always belongs to the person who broke the rule.
Who are your trusted adults? Keep a list!
Telling someone that someone else is hurting you is brave, not embarrassing. Trusted adults want to help you, and there are people whose entire job is making sure you’re safe.
If someone is making you uncomfortable, using you, making you do things you don’t want to do, tell an adult. Even if you’re almost 18, it isn’t your job to handle this on your own.
Get help right now, online, by text, or phone
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Call or text 24/7, free and confidential, for kids, teens, and adults.
Call 911 in an emergency
911 is always an option, even if it doesn’t feel like an emergency right now. Operators are highly trained to help right away.
In Indiana, you can text or call 911.
Report online with NCMEC
Think photos of you or a friend are being shared online without consent? You can make an online (and anonymous) report to NCMEC.
