Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
UNDERSTANDING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
This guide was developed to:
- Provide information about child sexual abuse
- Assist parents in supporting their children
- Outline how professional systems respond to sexual abuse allegations
- Clarify support services and treatment options
Given that each family’s situation is unique, this handbook is meant as a general guide and is not intended to take the place of professional counselling or legal advice.
Click on the corresponding language to download and print a copy of this guide in either English, Mandarin, Punjabi, Somali or Spanish.
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD IF SHE or HE DISCLOSES ABUSE
How you react and what you do when your child tells you about being sexually abused can influence how your child will ultimately cope with what has happened. A child who feels believed and supported by at least one parent or caregiver will find it easier to recover from the abuse.
If you see or hear something that makes you suspect abuse, keep the following in mind:
- Try to control your emotions and remain calm
- Offer comfort
- Reassure your child by telling her or him:
- This happens to other children too;
- It was brave to tell and you are glad that they have told you;
- You will always do what you can to help and protect them;
- You are there to offer your love and support; and
- Let your daughter or son know that they can always come to you about anything.
- Be aware of your child’s age and skills. Let your child tell you in their own words what happened.
- Avoid leading questions, scary words, or pushing for details.
- Answer questions simply and honestly.
- Do not be afraid to revisit anything you said or forget to say when your child first told you about the abuse.
- Tell your child what will happen next. You will need to report that this occurred and your child will need to be interviewed by a professional (usually the police accompanied by a social worker).
- Do not make any promises about what will happen.