Dealing with Suspected Sexual Abuse

If a child shares that someone touched them – ALWAYS take it as possibly true until you are comfortable it is not.

It is not easy for a child to tell an adult if something is not right. They may have been threatened if they tell someone will hurt them or their family. A child also fears if they tell they will get in trouble often thinking they have done something wrong when in reality any compromised child is never the child’s fault.

If a child shares someone touched them then tends to back off or deny it happened, BE ALERT but do not overly push.

First assess in your mind if all areas where your child goes seems to be safe. Many times parents also get an uncomfortable feeling about a situation but do not have proof so they tend to minimize it isn’t so. Be cautious or error on the side of safety until you are sure the situation is safe for your child.

Second, reassure your child if something ever did happen you would want them to feel comfortable in telling you because you love them and will always be there for them no matter what. You can reassure if someone did something they did not think was right or threatened to harm them you would want to know because you love them and would want to protect them.

It can be very scary for a child to tell so if a slight clue was given take it as such, allow some time with much loving support and see if  another clue comes up later. Be cautious about over grilling a child for facts as their fear may increase believing they did something wrong and they will get in trouble.

Don’t panic, just use your good judgment and loving support to encourage communication of anything that bothers a child. If you are feeling something may have occurred, you can check with your Pediatrician or consider professional counseling to further assess your child’s safety.