Responding To Child Sexual Abuse

When a child tells an adult that he or she has been sexually abused, the adult may feel uncomfortable and may not know what to say or do. The following guidelines should be used when responding to children who say they have been sexually abused.
If a child even hints in a vague way that sexual abuse has occurred:

* Encourage him or her to talk freely.
* Show that you understand and take seriously what the child is saying.
* Assure the child that they did the right thing in telling.
* Tell the child that he or she is not to blame for the sexual abuse.
* Finally, offer the child protection, and promise that you will promptly take steps to see that the abuse stops.

When a child tells someone about sexual abuse, a supportive, caring response is the first step in getting help for the child and reestablishing their trust in adults.