My Child Just Disclosed Sexual Abuse, Now What?

1. Believe your child: The first step is to believe your child and assure them that they have done the right thing by telling you. Reassure them that they are not to blame for what happened.
2. Ensure your child’s safety: If the perpetrator is someone your child knows, such as a family member, friend or acquaintance, ensure that they have no access to your child. If you believe that your child is in immediate danger, contact the police or emergency services.
3. Seek medical attention: Take your child to a doctor or hospital for a medical examination to determine if there are any physical injuries or signs of abuse. Medical evidence may be important if you choose to pursue legal action.
4. Seek professional help: Contact a mental health professional who specializes in treating children who have experienced sexual abuse. They can provide your child with therapy and support to help them cope with the trauma.
5. Report the abuse: Contact the police or child protective services to report the abuse. They can investigate the matter and take legal action against the perpetrator.
6. Provide ongoing support: Provide your child with ongoing support and love. Encourage them to talk to you about their feelings and experiences. Let them know that you are there for them and that you will do everything in your power to keep them safe.

Remember that recovering from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process, but with the right support and resources, your child can heal and thrive.

Yes, it’s extremely important to believe your child if they disclose that they have been sexually abused. It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose abuse, and it’s crucial that they feel believed and supported. When a child discloses abuse,

they are often afraid of not being believed or of being blamed for what happened. It’s important to reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you, and that they are not to blame for what happened. By believing and supporting your child, you are creating a safe and trusting environment that can help them heal from the trauma of the abuse.

Ensuring your child’s safety is of utmost importance if they have disclosed sexual abuse. If the perpetrator is someone your child knows, such as a family member, friend, or acquaintance, it’s important to make sure that they have no access to your child. You should also take steps to prevent any future abuse from occurring. This may involve:

1. Contacting the police or child protective services to report the abuse and get help in protecting your child.
2. Changing your child’s daily routine, such as avoiding places or people that may put them at risk.
3. Ensuring that your child is never left alone with the perpetrator or any other individual who may pose a risk to their safety.
4. Talking to your child’s school or other caregivers to ensure that they are aware of the situation and can help protect your child.
5. Explaining to your child the importance of speaking up and telling you or another trusted adult if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

It’s essential to take action to keep your child safe and prevent further harm. If you believe that your child is in immediate danger, contact the police or emergency services right away.

Seeking medical attention is crucial if your child has disclosed sexual abuse. A medical examination can help determine if there are any physical injuries or signs of abuse. Even if your child does not have any visible injuries, it’s still important to have them examined to ensure that there are no underlying medical issues related to the abuse.

When seeking medical attention for your child, consider the following:

1. Choose a healthcare provider who specializes in working with children who have experienced sexual abuse.
2. Explain the situation to the healthcare provider and provide them with as much information as possible.
3. Allow your child to have a support person with them during the examination, if they feel more comfortable.
4. Follow any medical recommendations made by the healthcare provider.

Medical evidence may be important if you choose to pursue legal action against the perpetrator, so it’s important to document any physical evidence of abuse. However, the most important reason to seek medical attention is to ensure your child’s health and well-being.