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Stay alert to the signs of child abuse and neglect.
If a child tells you of abuse, be attentive to
the child's behaviour.
Be aware that a child disclosing abuse may be
very cautious and may use childish language or
terms unfamiliar to you.
A child may expect you to be aware of the abuse,
feeling he/she has been marked in some way that
should be obvious to adults. For this reason,
it is important to be aware of the physical and
behavioural indicators of child abuse and neglect.
Do not carry out an investigation
yourself.
Any attempt to do so may jeopardize the case in
a court fo law.
Believe in the child
Abuse victims often believe they are, in some
way, responsible for the abuse they receive and
may be hesitant to discuss the abuse. Your acceptance
of what the child says is very important. Recognize
that it may be difficult for you to accept the
identity of the abuser or that the abuse occurred.
Victims of sexual abuse may feel they are breaking
a "trust" or "telling a secret,"
or they may have been threatened with harm to
themselves or others if they tell. Remember that
your relationship has allowed the child to open
up to you.
Listen openly and calmly
You may feel angry, frustrated or it may be painful
for you to hear a child disclosing abuse. It is
very important that you put these feelings aside
and give the child your full attention. You can
demonstrate your attentiveness with signs such
as nodding understandingly.
Allow the child to tell what happened in his/her
words. Do not "interview" the child
or press the child for details. Where possible
take the child aside to a safe, quiet place.
Reassure the child
It is important that you tell the child you will
do something to help. Reassure the child that
what has happened is not his/her fault, and that
he/she is doing the correct thing by telling you.
Do not promise the child things you are unable
to provide, such as that the abuser will go to
jail or that the child will have a new home. Do
tell the child you will do your best to help him/her.
Write down the facts
A written record of what the child has told you
is important in the investigation process. If
you cannot record the conversation at the time
of disclosure, do so as soon as possible and use
the child's own words avoiding interpreting what
was said. Even if you feel a comment or fact is
insignificant record it anyway, don't leave anything
out.
Report the disclosure
All individuals have a duty to report
child abuse. As soon as possible after a disclosure,
contact the police or the Children's Aid Society.
Children's Aid Societies are prepared to help
24-hours a day.
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