A path toward support
Questions you may be afraid to ask
You are welcome here even if you feel unsure, love the person you are worried about, or have asked for help before.
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.
I’m not sure this counts.
What this can look like: Someone threatens you, humiliates you, touches you in an unwanted way, or leaves you without basic care.
What you should know: You can ask for support without knowing the legal name for what happened.
What you can say: “I’m not sure what to call this, but it worries me.”
Who can help me?I love them, but I’m scared.
What this can look like: You miss someone or enjoy good times with them, and also feel frightened by their behavior.
What you should know: Caring about someone does not mean you have to accept being hurt.
What you can say: “I care about this person, and I also need help.”
Who can help me?Nobody believed me.
What this can look like: You tried to explain and someone dismissed you or did not help.
What you should know: You still deserve to be heard. Another qualified adult or counselor can be a next step.
What you can say: “I need someone else to listen. I still feel unsafe.”
Who can help me?What if they find out?
What this can look like: You worry someone will punish you for talking.
What you should know: Tell the professional about that fear. Ask about privacy and safer ways to contact you. No service can promise every detail stays secret.
What you can say: “Please explain what happens next. I’m scared of their reaction.”
Who can help me?I freeze when I try to talk.
What this can look like: You have words in your head but cannot say them out loud.
What you should know: You can start slowly or point to an example. You do not have to explain everything at once.
What you can say: “This is difficult to say. Please give me a moment.”
Who can help me?I’m worried about my sibling.
What this can look like: You want to protect a brother or sister.
What you should know: Tell a qualified adult about them too. You are not responsible for stopping violence or physically intervening.
What you can say: “I’m worried about my sibling too. Can you help us?”
Who can help me?Things are quieter now. Can I still ask?
What this can look like: The frightening incident has stopped, but you are still worried.
What you should know: You do not have to wait for something else to happen before seeking support.
What you can say: “Things are calmer today, but I need help with what happened.”
Who can help me?I’m worried about a friend.
What this can look like: A friend tells you something frightening and asks you to keep it secret.
What you should know: You can care about their trust and still get an adult’s help. Do not investigate or confront the person yourself.
What you can say: “My friend needs help, and I don’t know what to do.”
Who can help me?