What do I do if a child tells me about abuse?

Knowing how damaging abuse is to children, it is up to the adults around them to take responsibility for stopping it.




If a child tells you about abuse:

The following suggestions would be applicable in some cases...if the child mentions sexual, or physical abuse agencies need to be contacted as a priority. The immediate safety of the child is paramount.

•Stay calm and be reassuring

•Find a quiet place to talk

•Believe in what you are being told

•Listen, but do no press for information

•Say that you are glad that the child told you

•If it will help the child to cope. say that the abuser has a problem

•Say that you will do your best to protect and support the child

•If necessary, seek medical help and contact the police or social services

•If your child has told another adult, such as a teacher or school nurse, contact them. Their advice may make it easier to help your child

•Determine if this incident may affect how your child reacts at school. It may be advisable to liaise with you child's teacher, school nurse or headteacher

•Acknowledge that your child may have angry, sad or even guilty feelings about what happened, but stress that the abuse was not the child's fault. Acknowledge that you will probably need help dealing with your own feelings

You may consider using the school as a resource, as the staff should have a network of agencies they work with, and be able to give you advice.

You can contact official agencies or self-help groups. If you are concerned about what action may be taken, ask before you proceed

If  you notice bruises, cuts abrasions any form of external violence ensure that the child is secure in the knowledge that they will not need to face the abuser alone, reassurance is vital.