A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:As an adult, if a child came up to you, and told you they were being sexually abused by someone in the family, how would you deal with this? and what would you say to the child?I'm 18. Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (10 April 2011): There is only one way to deal with it and that is to report the matter to the police, giving a full account of what the child has told you. Reassure the child and tell him or her that you believe them and will help and make sure they are kept out of harms way until the police are involved. You can speak to a 'safe' member of the childs family but do not approach the abuser. The less the abuser knows the better. Because forewarned means they will destroy any evidence, they might threaten or harm the child. And they will definately try to reason with and persuade others that the child is a liar or mistaken. It takes a lot of courage for a child to speak out about abuse. And its vital you take action, so dont be put off by any doubts or persuasion from other family members. The police are well trained in these matters and will deal with things properly, so speak to them and let them do their job. Child abuse is horrific and mentally scars people for life, so stop this child from further harm. If you do nothing, you are condemning him or her to untold misery. And remember, they know they have told you. So if nothing is done now, they will feel you have abandoned them. You dont need that on your conscience. If this child needs your protection, do what you have to do and report it now.
A
female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (10 April 2011):
 I'd report it to the police immediately, like today. And if the abuse happens within the family, I'd tell the kid to talk to her/his school, or child protection services.
Of course there is the possibility that the child may have exaggerated or misunderstood something,or even invented it all, and that you end up looking like an interfering fool. Who cares, ignoring this child's confidences is too risky. You have the chance to make something horrific stop, and to shape this kid's life and future for the best- do it.
...............................
A
male
reader, jc2008 +, writes (10 April 2011):
How do you know this child? for example, if you were a working in an educational environment you would have a child protection officer who would decide what to do. Most likely if what you have been told constitutes a arrestable offense then you must inform the police. What ever you do, don't put words into the child's mouth. Listen to what they say, make a full note of it and to be honest if it was me, call the police and let them deal with it.
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (10 April 2011): I'd report it and talk to the parents (as long as it wasn't one of them). I'd tell the child to talk to their parents or other trusted adult that can protect them.
Reporting it is the most important step because you'd be surprised how many parents won't actually do anything about it because they either refuse to believe that it happens or they think their child is lying or making things up. Seriously most long term sexual abuse that isn't by one of the parents goes on for so long because the parents knew but never did anything about it.
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (10 April 2011): You need to comfort the child. But you need to tell someone. Police. Parents. It's wrong and disgusting. Whoever is doing it should be totally disgusted and ashamed with themselves. It's the lowest of the low. Don't leave it any longer. That child could be damaged for life!!! Please tell someone
...............................
|
