Describe how you should respond to children when they make a disclosure of abuse to you. (Hint: this is the initial response when the child is still present)

  • Remain clam
  • Tell the child that you believe him/her
  • Reassure the child that telling you was the right thing to do
  • Reassure the child that the abuse is not her/his fault
  • Find a quiet place to talk
  • Listen carefully to what they have to say or show you
  • Do not put words in their mouths or ask leading questions
  • Ask open questions
  • Thank them for sharing this with you
  • Don’t promise not to tell anyone
  • Never push the child into giving details of the abuse
  • Tell them you will have to tell someone else who can help
  • Tell them that you will only tell someone who can help them feel safe

Powered by BetterDocs