While it is upsetting to learn that a child has been abused, your response is critical as it can affect the severity of the child’s overall trauma.

Research shows that children who feel supported, safe, and believed when disclosing abuse have the most success in recovery.

When a child discloses abuse to you:

• Provide warmth, support and understanding.
• Assure the child that they have done the right thing in telling you.
• Make sure they know that the abuse is not their fault.
• Never pressure the child to tell you anything they do not want to tell you.
• Do not probe the child or ask detailed questions about what happened to them.
• Do not make promises that you cannot keep about their future.
• Make a note of exactly what the child says, in the words they use to say it.
• Contact the relevant child protection helpline in your state.