Responding to a child who has been abused or neglected 
is never easy.  Children, depending on their age and 
developmental stage may not be able to fully explain 
what has happened to them. Researchers report that 
children have difficulty disclosing abuse because they 
fear adult anger, disappointment, or disbelief. The 
following guidelines will help you respond sensitively and 
appropriately to a child who has been abused.
Guidelines      
          • Remain calm.  Your calm reaction to a child will help him or her talk about the problem.
          • Always let the child know that you believe and support her/him.  Too often children lack
             credibility. Listen and receive the child’s information in a nonjudgmental way.
          • Use whatever language the child uses to describe the assault.  Children may use explicit 
             terminology when discussing abuse.  Be prepared for this.  Try and use this language too 
             when talking with the child.
          • Do not avoid embarrassing subjects.  Let the child know that everything can be talked 
             about.
          • Do not project or assume anything.  Let the child tell the story without interjecting your 
             own assumptions.
          • Know the reporting law; if a report needs to be made be prepared to do so.
          • Do not make promises you cannot keep. You cannot promise not to tell anyone else.
     
Goals     
          • Validate the child’s feelings.
          • Assure the child that you care, you are still a friend, and that she/he is not to blame.
          • Let the child know she/he has a right to be safe.
          • Let the child know what action you will take to insure their safety.

Responding to Abuse or Neglect