Sexual knowledge, language, and/or behaviors that are inappropriate for the child’s age Why don’t children tell about sexual abuse? are many reasons children do not disclose being sexually abused, including: Threats of bodily harm (to the child and/or the child’s family) Fear of being removed from the home Fear of not being believed Shame or guilt What can you do if a child discloses that he or she is being (or has been) sexually abused? If a child discloses abuse, it is critical to stay calm, listen carefully, and never blame the child. Never question the child. Thank the child for telling you and reassure him or her of your support. Please remember to call for help immediately. If you know or suspect that a child is being or has been sexually abused, please call the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit the federally funded Child Welfare Information Gateway at: If you need immediate assistance, call 911. Children and Sexual Continued How can you help protect children from sexual abuse? children accurate names of private body parts. Avoid focusing exclusively on danger.” Keep in mind that most children are “stranger abused by someone they know and trust. children about body safety and the difference between and okay” “okay” “not touches.
Sexual knowledge, language, and/or behaviors that are inappropriate for the child’s age Why don’t children tell about sexual abuse? are many reasons children do not disclose being sexually abused, including: Threats of bodily harm (to the child and/or the child’s family) Fear of being removed from the home Fear of not being believed Shame or guilt What can you do if a child discloses that he or she is being (or has been) sexually abused? If a child discloses abuse, it is critical to stay calm, listen carefully, and never blame the child. Never question the child. Thank the child for telling you and reassure him or her of your support. Please remember to call for help immediately. If you know or suspect that a child is being or has been sexually abused, please call the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit the federally funded Child Welfare Information Gateway at: If you need immediate assistance, call 911. Children and Sexual Continued How can you help protect children from sexual abuse? children accurate names of private body parts. Avoid focusing exclusively on “stranger danger.” Keep in mind that most children are abused by someone they know and trust. children about body safety and the difference between “okay” and “not okay” touches.