CHILD RAPE & ABUSE
HELPING ABUSED CHILDREN

HOW TO RESPOND IF A CHILD TELLS YOU ABOUT ABUSE

BELIEVE THE CHILD
Children do not lie about abuse.Let the child know that you believe what he or she is saying.

FIND OUT HOW THE CHILD FEELS
Reassure the child that the abuse is not his or her fault and that there is no need to feel guilty

PROVIDE SUPPORT
Tell the child how brave he or she is for seeking help. Tell the child that there are other children who have had similar experiences.  Tell the child that you will work together to try and solve the problem.

LISTEN TO THE CHILD
Try to make the child feel safe, accepted and respected.

SHOW THE CHILD THAT YOU CAN BE TRUSTED
Respect the confidentiality of the communication. Be honest with the child. Consult the child if you want to bring in other professionals, such as a doctor or a social worker.

BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN FEELINGS
Do not be judgmental. Do not blame the child for what has happened. Try to remain calm so that you can reassure the child. ]

TAKE STEPS TO HELP THE CHILD
Child abuse rarely stops without intervention. Be sure that the child knows what to expect. Talk to the child about your role. Discuss what you can and cannot do.

* Do NOT make promises you cannot keep.
* Do NOT press the child for details about the abuse that the child is not comfortable talking about.
* Do NOT dicuss what the child has told you with other people who are not involved.

EMAIL: rapcan@iafrica.com  

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