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If your child reports that he or she has suffered from sexual abuse, it can be hard to know what to do. This article will give you a step-by-step process on how to react to such horrible news.

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EditSteps

  1. 1
    Take a deep breath, remain calm.
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  2. 2
    Come down to their level, maintain eye contact, give them your absolute undivided attention.
  3. 3
    Maintain an open posture towards them, ignore your cell phone.
  4. 4
    Keep your tone friendly.
  5. 5
    Do not overreact in anger, judgement or disgust.
  6. 6
    Let your child know that you believe them and love them.
  7. 7
    Try not to let your inner emotions show in front of your child. You will probably feel panicked or sick inside. If you seem upset, the child will start to feel more scared. Be as calm and supportive as possible.
  8. 8
    Talk calmly to the child and find out what happened through their eyes. Make sure that what he/she is reporting is true, but even if the facts don't add up, do not express doubt in you child's story.
  9. 9
    Report the incident to the authorities, follow their instructions.
  10. 10
    Find a local counselor who specialized in children who have been sexually abused. Schedule an appointment for your child ASAP.
  11. 11
    Be open for discussion if your child ever wants to talk about it. Recovery may take a while, but all you can do is be there for your child.
  12. 12
    • Thank them for telling you, remind them you know it was not easy.
  13. 13
    • Recognize their bravery
  14. 14
    • Remind them they have done the right thing
  15. 15
    • Remind then it is not their fault
  16. 16
    • Remind them that is not because of who they are that this has happened to them.
  17. 17
    • Let them know if they want you to help them you will have to tell another adult, that the child might have to repeat their story, not because it is not believed but it is a process.
  18. 18
    • I will be with you when we speak to the other adults. You will not be alone.
  19. 19
    • Whatever happens from now on, I will explain everything to you.
  20. 20
    • I need to make notes of what you tell me because your story is very important (take verbatim disclosure notes for legal proceedings).
  21. 21
    Do not threaten to hurt the abuser.
  22. 22
    Confirm they are not wrong, they are not the seducer.
  23. 23
    Write down the narrative word for word. Do not use your own words.
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EditWarnings

  • Even though you will feel angry and sad, don't freak out when your child tells you he or she has been abused. This will scare your child.
  • Don't push your child to tell you the details of the abuse. This will traumatize him/her. Let the counselors/police determine the details.

Article Info

Categories: Youth and Family

Recent edits by: Bruna, KommaH, MadHatter52

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,990 times.

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