Your body belongs to you

Your body is yours alone. You decide who may touch you and how close they can come.

Private parts are the areas covered by your underwear. Nobody may touch them, ask to see them, or show you their own. Nobody may ask you to touch someone else either.

The only exception is a medical check by a doctor. Even then, the doctor must explain what they will do, an adult you trust should be with you, and you must agree.

You can say no to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. That includes relatives, family friends, teachers and other adults. If you don't want a hug or a kiss, you don't have to give one.

A person who does harm is often not a stranger. It can be someone you know or even love.

If someone says don't tell anyone, nobody will believe you, or something bad will happen to your family, that is a sign you should tell straight away. You never have to keep that kind of secret.

• It is never your fault. What you wore, what you said, or the fact that you froze or stayed silent out of fear does not make you to blame.
• Fear, confusion and shame are normal feelings.
• Tell an adult you trust.
• If they don't believe you, tell someone else. Keep telling until you get help.
• Call the Child Helpline on 116 111.

You can tell at any time, however long ago it happened.