Feeling Safe - An easy read guide on protective behaviours

Feeling Safe An easy read guide on protective behaviours

Feeling Safe An easy read guide on protective behaviours.

Based on the Protective Behaviours Program

by Peg Flandreau West. © 2025 The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Perth.

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners.

No responsibility is accepted by the producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication.

Published in Australia

by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. www.perthcatholic.org.au An online version of this book is available at safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au

About this book

The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth Safeguarding Program Office made this book.

This is an Easy Read book. Important words are in bold and in blue.

It uses pictures to explain ideas.

Someone can help you • read the book • know what it is about • find more information.

3

What is in this book

Page 6

Protective Behaviours

Page 7

Safety and Feeling Safe

Page 9

Early Warning Signs

Page 13

Helping Hand

Page 15

Contacts

4

This book talks about

1. Safety You have the right to feel safe.

2. Early warning signs Listen to what your body tells you.

3. Support team Ask people you trust for help.

God loves each of us.

God wants you to feel safe and be happy.

5

Protective Behaviours

It is a safety program that teaches you how to stay safe.

It has 2 themes.

1. You have the right to feel safe at all times.

You deserve to • be treated with kindness • be treated with respect • feel safe.

2. Nothing is so awful that you cannot talk with someone about it.

You can talk with someone if you feel • unsafe • scared • worried.

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Being safe is important

When you are safe, you feel Understood People listen and get you.

Supported People are there to help you.

Welcomed You fit in and feel happy.

Protected No one will hurt you.

7

Sometimes we do not feel safe

You might feel Confused You do not know what is going on.

Worried You feel upset and unsure.

Overwhelmed You feel too much at the same time.

Scared You fear something bad could happen.

8

Your body is very smart Your body will tell you when you are not feeling safe.

Your body gives you early warning signs if something is not okay.

For example • your heart might beat fast • you need to go to the toilet • you feel sweaty or shaky • your tummy might feel funny.

With time, you can learn to notice your early warning signs.

They can help to protect you.

9

Early warning signs can be Heart beating fast Your heart might beat quickly.

Needing to go to the toilet You might feel like you need to go to the bathroom.

Sweat under your arms You may feel a bit wet under your arms or a little shaky in your hands.

Butterflies in your tummy Your tummy might have a funny fluttering feeling.

10

But these signs can also happen when you are Trying new things Like doing a new hobby or meeting people.

Doing a hard thing Like starting a new job or having a hard talk.

Looking forward to something fun Like before a holiday or a party.

The main thing is to listen to your body and look at what is going on around you.

11

Talk with a person you trust

If you are not sure about the early warning signs, talk with a person you trust.

A person you trust is someone who • listens • understands you • you feel safe with • helps you work things out.

It is okay to talk about hard things.

It can help you feel better.

Talking with a person you trust is best, even when it feels scary.

12

A helping hand is a support team

A helping hand is 5 people you trust. You can always talk with them if you feel unsafe or worried.

Your helping hand might be • parents or guardians • carers • brothers or sisters • friends • or any adult you feel safe with.

Choose people who • believe in you • listen to you • take action to help you.

13

Always remember God wants you to feel safe.

You have the right to feel safe at all times.

Nothing is so awful that you cannot talk with someone about it.

We hope this book has helped you to Know when you feel safe and when you feel unsafe.

Know you are not alone and can talk with someone you trust.

14

You can contact

Safeguarding Program Office works to keep everyone safe in the Church.

08 9221 7762 safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au

Personal Advocacy Service helps people with disabilities to grow and make lasting friends in a faith community.

08 9275 5388 pas.perthcatholic.org.au

Identitywa helps support people with disabilities and their families.

08 9474 3033 identitywa.com.au 15

Here is some other helpful information 1 8 0 0 RESPECT 1800 737 732 This helpline gives care to people who are hurt by others.

Lifeline WA 1 3 11 1 4 This helpline is for people who are upset and sad.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission 1800 035 544 This helpline gives support when a NDIS service is not right or feels unsafe.

Health & Disability Services Complaints Office WA 1800 813 583 This helpline is for people who are unhappy with a non-NDIS service.

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Helping Hand Cut out this page and write the names of 5 people you trust on the hand.

Acknowledgement The safety and care of children and adults at risk is important.

I hope this guide helps adults at risk, their carers, and families feel safe and supported.

Everyone should be treated with kindness, respect, and feel safe.

Everyone should know that God loves them.

Thank you to • Safeguarding Program Office • Personal Advocacy Service • Identitywa for helping to make this guide.

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB Catholic Archbishop of Perth