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If you think a friend is being abused, or if an adult has been abusive to you, DON’T KEEP IT A SECRET! Remember, the adult is at fault, not you.

Don’t talk to the abuser about it… that almost never helps. The abuser will often try to convince you not to tell, or threaten to harm you if you do.

 If the abuse happened in DeMolay, tell your Chapter Advisor or another Advisor about it right away. He will help you report it to the right people, and see that the right action is taken. You can also contact the Pennsylvania DeMolay office for help.

If the abuse happened somewhere else, your Chapter Advisor and others in DeMolay will still be ready to help you. Or, you could talk to a parent, a teacher, a minister, a doctor, a nurse, or another trusted adult.

 Whenever you suspect abuse is happening, you can call the police or the PA Department of Children and Youth at their 24-hour hotline: (800) 932-0313.

A national abuse reporting hotline, provided by Childhelp USA, is 1-800-4-A-CHILD. The Childhelp website also provides some excellent information and resources about child abuse prevention.

You don't have to have proof to report suspected abuse. Many hotlines will allow you to make a report without giving your name.

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