Staying Safe

Get the facts

Your safety is very important to the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta. If something you see, hear or feel makes you feel unsafe, unhappy or worried, either at school or outside of school, it is important to tell somebody about it so that you can get support and help. This includes if you or someone you know have been abused, or are at risk of being abused.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological harm, neglect, and family violence. Child abuse can also include grooming. This is behaviour where an adult tries to establish a relationship or other emotional connection with a child, to prepare them for a sexual relationship. This may include things like an adult having uncomfortable conversations with a child about sex including making inappropriate remarks about their body, an adult being overly touchy, or an adult giving you unwanted extra attention either in person or online. Child abuse does not have to involve physical contact or force. It can include:

• sexual acts

• exposing a child to family violence

• controlling a child through threats

• exposing a child to sexual material

Child abuse can be perpetrated by any member of a community or a family member. Abuse can impact anyone and it is never the victim’s fault.

What are your Rights ?

• Everyone has the right to feel safe and be protected from abuse.

• No one is allowed to threaten you, hurt you, or touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or afraid.

• This includes all adults, other teenagers and children – it includes everyone from family members, coaches, teachers, to friends and strangers.

• Every relationship should be respectful.

• No one should ever involve you in sexual activity without your consent, and no one should behave in a way that makes you feel unsafe or afraid.

What should I do if I have been abused or I feel unsafe?

You should talk to an adult you trust. Talking to someone about a difficult situation can be scary, but it is often the best way to reach a solution. If you have been abused, or feel unsafe or threatened in any way you don’t have to deal with this on your own. Abuse is never your fault and you should tell a trusted adult so you can get the help and support you need to feel safe and protected.

Talking to someone won’t get you in trouble. You can tell a teacher, your school Principal, your school Wellbeing Counsellor, or your parents or carers. You can ask them to help you report.

What should I do if I think someone I know has been abused or is unsafe?

You should talk to an adult you trust. Any staff member at your school will be able to help. You can also help your friend by encouraging them to tell a trusted adult. Even if your friend has specifically asked you not to tell an adult, you still should. It is more important to make sure that your friend is helped and feels protected.

Steps to help you with telling someone about it.

1. Plan what you want to say. This will help you remember when it comes time to talk about it. Write down:

• What you are not happy with

• Or what happened that you didn’t like and when it happened. Try and write down as many details as possible such as what day it happened, what time and who was involved

• Write how it made or makes you feel.

2. Write down what would you like to happen? What would make the situation better?

3. Go and talk to the person who you trust to help you with the complaint. Or make a time to talk to them later.

4. Be calm and ask questions.

Sometimes you might be upset or nervous when talking about your problem but that’s okay, try and stay calm and try your best. Be respectful and remember to ask as many questions as you like. Some questions you can ask may include things like, What will happen next?

• When will you get back to me?

• Will you tell my Mum and Dad?

• Who can I speak to about this?

5. Take notes

Write down as many details as you can remember so that you can keep track of things, names and things that will happen next. You may want to write down:

• Who you talked to

• The date and time

• What they said they’d do next

• When they said they’d get back to you

6. Keep at it!

It is important for you to keep on trying until you are happy that the problem has been solved. If you are not happy with what has happened so far, (or if nothing happens), you can talk to another person that you trust. Don’t stop until someone listens and does something about it. It’s important to speak up so people can learn better ways to do things and so that mistakes can be fixed.

What will happen if I tell an adult at the school that I feel unsafe, or that I know someone who is unsafe?

You will be helped. Teachers and other adults at your school must listen to your concerns and help you. They all have a duty of care to keep you safe, and can work with the school and other people to get you help.

The information will not be shared with the person who is making you feel unsafe. Information will only be shared with people who can support and protect you. In some cases the people helping you are required by law to tell the Police, the Department of Community and Justice and/or your family to prevent any further abuse, or risk of abuse.

Who else can help me?

If you don’t want to talk to anyone at school about it face to face, you can call the school Principal. Call the main phone line on 9208 7200 and ask to speak with the Principal. You can also write a note or send an email to your College Principal.

You can call the Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au for 24- hour support) or call or visit your local police station. You may also be able to talk to a friend you trust, doctor, psychologist, social worker, welfare officer, or another trusted adult.