Every family has trouble getting along every now and then. It is ok for people in a family to get upset with each other. But, it is NEVER ok for people in a family to abuse each other. When grownups in your family hit, slap, kick, push, or throw objects at someone else in your family it is abuse. Abuse can also happen when family members are put down or touched in wrong ways. Families should not have to live with abuse and violence. If your family has trouble like this, you are not alone. Please tell a safe adult about what is going on. Here are some tips to help you know what to do if your family is in a violent situation.

1. DON'T TRY TO GET IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIGHT.
Even though you may want to help, it is not a good idea to get in the middle of a fight when one of your parents is hurting the other. If one of your parents is yelling or hurting the other, the best thing to do is go to another room.

2. IF YOU CAN GET TO A PHONE SAFELY, CALL 911 FOR HELP AND STAY ON THE PHONE.
Find a phone that is away from the fight and tell the 911 helper what is going on in your house. The 911 helper will ask some questions because they are trying to help you and will send the police right away.

3. TRY NOT TO GET TRAPPED IN A SMALL ROOM, CLOSET OR THE KITCHEN.
You may be afraid that you could get hurt too. If you are afraid, move towards a door, window, or room where you can safetly exit the house.

4. GO TO A SAFE PLACE. FIND A SAFE RELATIVE OR NEIGHBOR AND ASK FOR HELP.
It is ok to ask for help. The most important thing is to get in a safe place with an adult you trust. Some people that can help that you can trust are friends, neighbors, teachers, police officers, doctors & nurses, and lawyers & judges.



Remember: It's NOT your fault!
It's okay to love both of your parents, even if one parent is hurting the other.
But, it's not okay for that parent to hurt you, your other parent, or anyone else.