A young woman from the Dominican Republic, who had been abused online and in-person, explained how the fear of punishment kept her from telling her parents: “I did not want to tell my mum because I did not want her to take away my access to the computer or Facebook. Because if I told my mum or my dad that they were sending me photos on Facebook, the first thing they would do would be: ‘No, now you cannot use Facebook so that you do not receive photos’. So I was afraid that they would basically take away my Internet access.” For many young people we interviewed, disclosure only happened once the situation escalated to a point where they felt they could no longer manage it alone. This might occur when threats intensified, images were shared more widely, or the emotional toll became overwhelming. Disclosure was often described as a last resort, reached after prolonged fear, isolation and distress. Even when children reach a point where they want help, the path forward is not always clear. They may not know where to go or how to report what happened. Formal systems can feel distant, complex, or intimidating. Very few children report these forms of abuse to police or helplines, underscoring that such services, while critical, are not currently perceived as viable pathways for support. More often, if children tell anyone at all, it is someone close – a friend, a sibling, a parent. While this can provide some immediate comfort and support, it does not necessarily stop the abuse or hold perpetrators accountable for the harm they have caused. Through Children’s Eyes Who do children tell? 27