Responding to Child Abuse
⚠️ Content Notice: This page discusses child abuse, including sexual abuse. It is shared to raise awareness and help protect children. The information may be difficult or triggering for some readers, especially survivors. Please take gentle care of yourself as you read.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. — Proverbs 22:6
A child may tell an adult about being sexually abused. The adult or parent may not know what to say or do. The following guidelines should help you in responding to children who have been sexually abused:
• If a child hints in any way that sexual abuse has occurred, encourage him or her to talk freely. Don’t make judgmental comments.
• Show that you understand and take seriously what the child is saying. Children who are taken seriously recover much better than those who are not. The response you give is critical to the child’s ability to resolve the trauma.
• Assure the child that he or she did the right thing in telling about the abuse. If the child is close to the abuser there may be guilt feelings about revealing the secret, or fear if they have been threatened.
• Make sure the child knows that he or she is not to blame for the abuse. Most children believe they somehow caused it or view it as punishment.
• Finally, offer the child protection, and promise that you will promptly take steps to see that the abuse stops and that in no way they are to blame.
What to Do
If you suspect any form of child abuse, report it. If the abuse is within the family, report it to the local Child Protection Agency. If the abuse is outside of the family, report it to the police or district attorney’s office. Individuals reporting in good faith are immune from prosecution. The agency receiving the report will conduct an evaluation and will take action to protect the child.
Parents should consult with their pediatrician or family physician, who may refer them to a physician who specializes in evaluating and treating sexual abuse. A psychiatric evaluation is always a good idea in order to find out how the abuse has affected the child, and to determine if ongoing professional help is necessary. The child and adolescent psychiatrist can also provide support to other family members who may not know how to deal with the feelings surrounding the abuse.
A child should never be blamed for being abused. Adults are presumed mature and more knowledgeable; therefore, they are always the ones to blame when they abuse children. When a child tells someone about abuse, a supportive, caring and loving response is the first step toward giving proper help. Avoid asking questions like “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” or “Why did you let it happen?” Be sure to let the child know how proud you are of them for revealing the truth. This will go a long way in reestablishing trust toward adults again. When a child reveals abuse, that child is asking for help. Always give a child the attention and care they need during this emotional time in their lives.
Children In Need · Survivors’ Bill of Rights · The Pathway of Hope
