What To Do If Your Little Discloses Having Been Abused

Four key things that you can do to respond in a supportive way to your Little if he or she discloses having been abused:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Listen calmly. Be open and understanding, focusing on your Littles feelings rather than your own. If you react strongly or are noticeably upset, he or she may stop talking or feel worried because theyve upset you. Reassure your Little that youre glad that he or she told you what happened, and that it was not his or her fault. Let your Little know that youre going to help him or her, and that youll need to share what he or she told you with a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff person (and/or parent or law enforcement official, if appropriate), so that the abuse can be stopped and he or she can receive support. Do not attempt to question your Little further or you may interfere with the formal investigation process. Get in touch with BBBS agency staff immediately to allow a trained professional (generally a Child Protective Services social worker, law enforcement officer, or Child Advocacy Center professional) to conduct an interview with your Little.

If you ever feel that a child is in imminent danger, dont hesitate to call 911 or local law enforcement.
For more information on this subject, visit: www.childhelpusa.org (Child Help); www.preventchildabuse.org (Prevent Child Abuse America) www.aap.org (American Academy of Pediatrics).