WHAT TO DO IF A CHILD HAS BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED:

1. Take the child to a private place and ask what happened. Listen. Don’t overreact.
Appear calm and reassuring, even though you may be shocked and enraged.
2. Tell the child you are sorry this happened, and you will try to keep them safe.
3. Respect the child’s privacy.
4. Notify authorities, even if the abuser is a friend or relative. By doing this you may save another child from being victimized.
5. Be supportive to the child. Demonstrate that ‘‘our love, regard and respect for them has not been diminished or altered by the experience.
6. Make sure that the child understands fully that the blame and responsibility rest with the molester. Many children carry a great burden of fear and guilt after an incident. Many worry that it was somehow their fault, especially if there is continued contact with the molester.
7. Emphasize that the child did the right thing in telling you about the incident. Be aware that most molesters frighten children into silence by threats and by telling them that the child’s parents will not love them a anymore
8. Offer support, comfort and sympathy without overreacting to the point that the child
is frightened more by your reaction than by the incident itself.
9. Be sure the child realizes that you believe what they have told you.
10. Maintain open communication with the child regarding the incident, but do net pressure them into talking about it.
11. Determine if the child has been physically injured and is in need of medical attention. Do not hesitate to seek professional counseling for the entire family.
12. When choosing a counselor, take into consideration that some have limited knowledge in this area. Inquire as to the amount of experience they have regarding
child abuse and neglect issues.

For a counseling referral call:
Council for the Prevention
of Child Abuse and Neglect
(517) 788-4239.