Secrets that make you feel scared or unsafe
Some secrets are fun — like a surprise party. But a secret that makes you feel scared, sad, or worried is not a secret you have to keep.
Everyday examples
- Someone says, 'Don't tell, or you'll get in trouble.'
- Someone tells you something bad will happen if you talk.
- You feel sick or worried when you think about the secret.
One next step
Tell a trusted adult. A safe adult will not make you keep a scary secret.
Remember
- Abuse is never a child's fault.
- You do not have to collect proof before asking for help.
- You are not responsible for stopping adult violence.
- You do not have to physically intervene or protect everyone yourself.
- You can care about someone and still need protection from them.
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.