Often children do not tell anyone about sexual abuse because they:

are too young to put what has happened into words

were threatened or bribed by the abuser to keep the abuse a secret

feel confused by the attention and feelings accompanying the abuse

are afraid no one will believe them

blame themselves or believe the abuse is punishment for being "bad"

feel too ashamed or embarrassed to tell

worry about getting into trouble or getting a loved one into trouble

Remember, silence enables sexual abuse to continue. Silence protects sexual offenders and hurts children who are being abused.

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