What to Do if You Suspect Child Abuse

Suggestions for handling disclosure include:

• Find a private place to talk to the child.
• Do not act surprised or shocked regardless of what information is disclosed. Do not panic.
• Respond in a relaxed and calm way.
• Express your belief that the child is telling you the truth.
• Use the child's vocabulary.
• Let the child know that he/she is not alone, other children have the same problem.
• Reassure the child that it is good to tell.
• Reassure the child that it is okay for him/her to be upset. Let the child know that the abuse was not his/her fault and that he/she is not bad.
• Determine the child's immediate need for safety.
• Let the child know that you will do your best to protect and support him/her. Don't make promises that you can't keep.
• Let the child know what you will do and be honest about what the child can expect to happen.
• Report to the proper authorities.