If asking didn't work
I told someone, but still need help
If asking for help didn't work, your concern still matters. You deserve to be heard, and there are other people who can help.
In immediate danger, call 911 when it is safe to do so. Choosing any button on this site does not dispatch help or file a report.
You still deserve help
If the first person did not help, that does not mean what happened is okay or that no one will help. You can tell another qualified adult or contact a support service directly.
Do not collect proof, repeatedly confront the same adult, violate a custody order, travel alone, or handle a sibling's protection yourself. A qualified professional can help you figure out safer next steps.
They didn't believe me
If asking for help didn't work, your concern still matters. Not being believed does not mean what happened is okay.
A sentence you can use
"I asked for help before, but I still feel unsafe. Can you help me find another person to talk to?"
They told someone, and now I'm scared
If telling someone made things feel worse or more frightening, that fear is real. A different professional can help you think through safer steps.
A sentence you can use
"I told someone, and now I'm scared about what might happen. Can we talk about what to do next?"
They gave me a number, but I can't call
Not being able to call is common. Text and chat options are available from several services. You don't have to speak aloud to get help.
A sentence you can use
"I can't call right now, but I need help. Can I text or chat with someone?"
I don't know what happened after I told
Not knowing what happened after you told someone can be frustrating and scary. You can ask the service or professional what the next steps are.
A sentence you can use
"I told someone before, and I don't know what happened. Can you help me find out what the next steps are?"
I'm scared about going home or an upcoming visit
If you are afraid of going home or of a visit between homes, tell a qualified adult. They can help you think through safer options.
A sentence you can use
"I'm scared about going home. Can you help me figure out what to do?"
The person I asked is involved in what's happening
If the adult you asked is involved in the harm, they may not be a safe person to help. A different qualified adult or a support service can be a next step.
A sentence you can use
"The person I tried to talk to is involved in what's happening. I need someone else to help."
Safety planning with a professional
Safety planning means thinking with a trained professional about what may help, what could increase danger, and what support is available. These are conversation prompts, not an automated risk assessment. This site does not generate personalized exit plans or promise that any action will prevent escalation.
- "Could contacting someone increase the danger?"
- "How can you contact me in a way that is safer?"
- "What happens if the person hurting us finds out?"
- "Who else may need to be involved?"
- "What should I do if the situation changes?"
Asking the agency to look again
You can ask the relevant agency about a supervisor, a specialist child-abuse team, or a victim-services contact. Services and processes differ depending on where you live. This page cannot guarantee a specific outcome or a particular response.