Get Help Now!

Our Helpline provides free, confidential, and direct support and information to individuals with questions or concerns about child sex abuse. Anyone concerned about child sex abuse can reach out to our national prevention Helpline (1.888.PREVENT), email, and chat services, an interactive Online Help Center, and our “Ask Now!” advice column.

Users ages 14-21 with concerns should contact our youth helpline through WhatsOK. WhatsOK is a website and helpline that offers free, confidential support and resources to youth and young adults with concerns about their own or a friend’s sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Learn more about WhatsOK.

Please know that we may be training new helpline consultant(s) so if this is something you would not prefer, let us know when you start talking with us.

Email the Helpline Now!
Get a response to your questions by email.

Call the Helpline Now!
Talk to someone by calling 1.888.PREVENT.
Helpline hours:

  • Monday 12pm-8pm EST
  • Tuesday 12pm-6pm EST
  • Wednesday 12pm-6pm EST
  • Thursday 10am-6pm EST
  • Friday 12pm-6pm EST

Hours are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Visit the Online Help Center Now!
Find answers to your questions.

Chat with a Helpline Consultant

How It Works

Who will I be speaking with?

You’ll be speaking with a trained helpline counselor. Every helpline counselor has been specifically trained on developmentally appropriate behavior in youth, warning signs in youth and adults of causing sexual harm, signs in children of possible sexual abuse, communication skills to help adults speak with other adults about difficult topics, child sexual abuse and prevention. They are compassionate and non-judgmental, and they have heard people share some very difficult concerns. No matter what you’re reaching out about, there’s nothing that will shock or scare them - and they want to make sure you’re able to take the next step you need to keep a child safe!

What does a Helpline Counselor do?

Helpline counselors listen to your concerns, provide support, resources, feedback and next step guidance. They can help you problem-solve, address barriers that get in the way of safe decision making, and provide accurate information to help you determine the next steps available to you. They may share links to other organizations, information on how to find a therapist, or other helplines that can offer support, depending on what an individual’s incoming needs are.

Despite having “counselor” in their title, they are not therapists or mental health counselors and do not provide therapy, which means that they can’t provide coping skills for mental health conditions, nor can they diagnose or provide ongoing counseling or offer ongoing support like a therapist can.

Our helpline counselors are here to help support you to the next step in your journey to keeping a child safe, whatever that looks like for you.