Never become an abuser

Having relationships with other people is important for every human being. We go to school, play sports, dance, walk in the street or in the park, play outside. We meet all types of different people every day. We are happy to see some of them and we cannot go without seeing others. There are those whom we don’t like meeting and then there are those whom we don’t mind meeting. We behave differently with each one of these people.

Sometimes people unintentionally hurt each other. Sometimes we can think that using force will be the most effective method of getting what we want, for example, in order to make someone agree with us, make them do as we want or to scare them.

In reality violence only ever breeds violence. Others will treat you how you treat them. There are many other better ways of protecting ourselves and getting what we want. By being loyal, helping and respecting each other, caring for each other, and compromising, we can make many trustworthy acquaintances and friends.

In a difficult situation, remember that it is better to:

• Give someone a helping hand rather than raising your hand against them.
• Explain and listen rather than shout and scream.
• Be friendly rather than hostile.

If you want to be strong, you:
• Should help others.
• Shouldn’t fight over little things.
• Should take other people’s opinions into account.
• Shouldn’t hit or belittle others.
• Should be happy for others’ success.
• Shouldn’t laugh at other’s faults.
• Should Forgive.

Remember!

Every child has a right to grow up and learn in a friendly environment. Abusing a child is a crime. If a child is being abused, parents, teachers, relatives and friends will help them.

 If you think that you are or your friend are in danger!
 If you think that you are being abused: bullied, beaten, laughed at, mistreated!
 If your friend tells you that they need help dealing with abuse!

If someone’s treatment of you makes you feel bad!

 Say “no!”: loudly and firmly.
 Go to a safe place where there are other people around.
 Tell the people you trust about what happened.

Act! Break the silence!
Talk about what happened with people you trust – your parents, teachers, older friends, sisters or brothers.

Telephone numbers which will be useful to protect you from abuse:
112 – Emergency Centre.
116 111 – Helpline for children.

Find out more here 
By Public Health Foundation of Georgia (PHF)