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LISTEN
TO THE CHILD
If
a child trusts you enough to tell you about an incident of sexual abuse, you
are in an important position to help that child recover. The following
suggestions can help you provide positive support.
THINGS
TO DO:
 Keep
calm.
It is important to remember that you are not angry with the child, but at what
happened. Children can mistakenly interpret anger or disgust as directed
towards them.
Believe
the child.
In most circumstances children do not lie about sexual abuse.
Give
positive messages
such as "I know you couldn't help it," or "I'm proud of you for
telling."
Explain
to the child that he or she is not to blame for what happened.
Listen
to and answer the child's questions honestly.
Respect
the child's privacy. Be careful not to discuss the abuse in front of people
who do not need to know what happened.
Be
Responsible.
Report the incident to the Department of Human Services in your area. They can
help protect the child's safety and provide resources for further help.
Arrange
a medical exam.
It can reassure you that there has been no permanent physical damage and may
verify important evidence.
Get
help.
Get competent professional counseling, even if it's only for a short time.
Call
the sexual assault crisis center nearest you. To be automatically connected
with the crisis line of the crisis center nearest you, please call the RAINN
hotline, toll-free, at 1-800-656-4673
THINGS
YOU NEVER SHOULD DO:
Panic
or overreact when the child talks about the experience. Children
need help and support to make it through this difficult time.
Pressure
the child
to talk or avoid talking about the abuse. Allow the child to talk at her or
his own pace. Forcing information can be harmful. Silencing the child will not
help her or him to forget.
Confront
the offender
in the child's presence. The stress may be harmful. This is a job for the
authorities.
Blame
the child. SEXUAL ABUSE IS NEVER THE CHILD'S FAULT!!!
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