If a Child tells you about possible abuse...
Do's
•Take the child
seriously
•Stay calm and neutral
•Tell the child s/he
has been brave to tell you
•Reassure the child
that what has happened is not their fault
•Reassure the child
that it is not unusual and has happened
to lots of children
•Be honest about your
own role, who you will have to tell and why
•Keep the child fully
informed about what you are doing/what is happening
DON'Ts
•Make promises you
cannot keep
•“Interrogate” the
child
•Cast doubt on what
the child tells you
•Speculate or make
assumptions about what has happened
•Approach/inform
alleged abuser
•Make the child feel
responsible for the abuse
•Communicate strong
feelings such as anger, even about the alleged abuser
•Panic. Acting too
hastily can be counter productive
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