STOP IT NOW! Helpline Reaches Out

"I knew that I needed help for the thoughts and feelings that I was having about children, but I felt that there was nowhere to turn. Your staff helped me to understand that I could get help and gave me the resources to find treatment"- Someone afraid he might abuse a child

"I felt helpless when I found out that my son was sexually abusing other children, but after discussing the importance of specialized treatment and open communication, I feel better able to provide the support that my son needs"- The mother of an adolescent with sexual behavior problems.

With a sense of relief, these callers show STOP IT NOW! that our confidential helpline has provided them with practical knowledge about child sexual abuse, useful tools on how to talk about it, and information on where to go for help.

More than 1200 callers have shared difficult emotions with our staff when acknowledging sexual abuse or questioning potential abuse. Callers frequently describe their feelings by describing helplessness, embarrassment, and fear of overreaction. We encourage adults to talk about appropriate and inappropriate sexual behaviors and help to transform their concerns to a positive plan that includes hope, communication and support.

Family and friends of abusers use our helpline before abuse has taken place. Some callers describe an uncomfortable situation that is not sexual abuse, but should be addressed. Others talk about thoughts and feelings that could eventually lead to sexual abuse if they are not recognized. Our staff can provide information about prevention methods, healthy sexuality, and steps adults can take to help ensure that children stay safe.

People who sexually abuse children also reach our helpline. They contact us for information on treatment, consequences and resources. Helpline conversations are often the first time an abuser hears that treatment is available and that it can work.

Who Calls?

About 45 callers reach out to STOP IT NOW! each month. Individuals from all socio-economic levels, professions and ethnic groups call. Parents, clergy, and businesspeople are among the abusers and friends and family who call for information and help.

Fifty percent of our calls are from those who know a victim and/or an abuser; 24 percent call for general information; 11 percent are from agencies. Fifteen percent of our calls are from people who sexually abuse children. Through its helpline, STOP IT NOW! demonstrates that people who sexually abuse children will call for help.

How Do Callers Hear of Our Service?

While we advertise only in Vermont and in Philadelphia, calls come in from all across the United States. Twenty-nine percent heard of the helpline through the Internet, 25 percent heard of this service through the media (radio, newspaper, television news coverage), 25 percent were given the number by agency staff, practitioners and by other helpline staff. Twenty-one percent of callers received information about the helpline through friends, presentations or workshops.

STOP IT NOW!'s confidential helpline can be reached toll-free at 1-888-PREVENT from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.