Get Help Now

Call the 24/7 HelpLine today: 1-866-END-RAPE (1-866-363-7273)
Call ChildLine if you suspect child abuse at: 1-800-932-0313

At PAAR, we are with you every step of the way. There is no cost for our services.

Serving people who have experienced sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual abuse, rape, and sexual exploitation/ sex trafficking.

We welcome people of all genders, including men and transgender people; races, religions, incomes, languages, abilities, ethnicities and sexual orientations. We serve survivors regardless of immigration status. We will not report to law enforcement or any government officials any information we obtain, except in very limited legal circumstances.

Accessibility Information

What should I do first?

If you/they are not in a safe place, call 911

Get to a safe place and call PAAR –
1-866-END-RAPE (1-866-363-7273)

Go to a hospital emergency department
and ask the hospital staff to contact a PAAR in-person advocate to meet you at the hospital
1-866-END-RAPE (1-866-363-7273)

Valuable evidence may remain on your or your child’s body or clothing.
Try not to bathe, shower, eat, drink, brush your teeth or go to the bathroom before going to the emergency room. Also try not to change your clothes (if you already have, put your clothes in a clean bag and bring them with you to the emergency department)

Contact ChildLine if you suspect child abuse at 1-800-932-0313

Do not confront the abuser. Leave this to the police.

While you can seek help at any Emergency Department in Allegheny County please note UPMC Mercy and Magee Hospitals have 24/7 specially trained nurses for victims

What Should I Do if a Child is being Abused?

Stay calm

It is important to remain calm, because the child may think your anger is directed towards her/him/ them.

Believe the child

Let the child know you believe her/him. Tell the child that the abuse was not her/his/their fault.

Listen to the child

Let the child tell you what happened in her/his own words. Expect that the story may be incomplete. Typically, details come out as time goes by. Young children, in particular, may not know how to explain what happened to them. Some children may deny the incident ever occurred.

Report abuse

Call your local police
Contact Child Line at 1-800-932-0313

Seek medical attention

The child may be suffering internal injuries that you cannot see. A medical exam can also provide valuable evidence.