Crime Prevention Association of NB Inc 45 Not getting the love or care you deserve can change the way you think. Some young people try negative coping mechanisms, such as engaging in self-injury or drug and alcohol use.Although these may make you feel better in the moment, they can make you feel worse overall. Negative coping strategies mask your feelings without fixing the problem. ABUSE IS NOTYOUR FAULT It’s important to understand that what’s happening at home is not your fault.Write that down and put it someplace where you’ll see it every day. Don’t blame yourself for what’s going on. Even if you’re told that the abuse is a “punishment” for something that you’ve done “wrong,” you don’t deserve it. No one deserves to be abused or neglected. TALKTO SOMEONE You can’t control what happens in your family, but you can choose how you respond to it.The best way to take control is to talk to someone about it. It may feel impossible, especially if you’re worried that talking about it will make things worse, but here’s what you can do: • Get help: you can’t overcome abuse by yourself.You need help to make things better. • Talk about it: it’s important to tell a safe adult — someone who isn’t causing the abuse.You can talk to a teacher, a friend’s parent, a guidance counsellor, a coach, a relative or someone else you trust.You can also call Kids Help Phone to talk to a counsellor anonymously (without telling us your name). If you want us to, we can help you call the police or child protection services. NEGATIVE WAYS TO COPE WITH ABUSE
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