“Don’t Tell!” – book enabling children and parents to detect abuse / “For Life” magazine no. 15, 2026

“Don’t Tell!”, by Veronica Iani, is a story about an ordinary child put in a situation seemingly normal at first. A renowned photographer, a contest, a gift, “helpful” messages… and, step by step, the pressure builds: “Don’t tell anyone”.

The book explores how the manipulation of a child does not begin suddenly, but through small gestures and gradual steps—compliments, secrets, favors, isolation, control over their phone. The reader sees what the child feels: confusion, shame, fear, paralysis. And finds the way out: to tell their parents what is happening to them.

At the end, the book includes two clear and practical appendices:

• Appendix for children – simple safety rules (in real life and online), explanation of “body signals,” concrete steps to follow, and a list of trusted people.
• Appendix for parents, teachers, and counselors – explanation of manipulation mechanisms, control patterns used by abusers, normal reactions of children, and recommendations for safe conversations.