Disclosure

The most important thing I can stress in regards to discloser of CSA (child sexual abuse) is summed up in one word BELIEVE!!!

The second most important BELIEVE.

Before I go on, I want to point out one thing: The only thing worse than hearing your child disclose that they have been sexually abused…. is NOT hearing them disclose when they ARE being sexually abused!!!

Only 1 in 10 children that are being sexually abused disclose.

98% 0f disclosures from children are true. It is very rare that a child lies about sexual abuse. 1% have been abused, but have identified the wrong person. Less than 1% actually lie…and many feel those children where abused at one time themselves. BELIEVE!!!

It is NORMAL when we are addressed with such a traumatic event to go into a DENIAL stage. This is a way that our mind deals with stress/pain. It is often the first stage we go through as parents of a child that has disclosed sexual abuse. Looking for the innocent explanation. You are not a bad parent for having a moment of doubt!!! You are a normal human being.

How you deal with the disclosure and what is to come next, can very well impact your child and have more of an affect than the abuse itself.

Even if you have doubts, treat this disclosure as Gospel. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep your child safe. It is NOT your fault what happened, but now that you do know, there are steps you can take to protect you child.

Be calm. Assure your child that this is NOT their fault and they have nothing to be feel ashamed about. Tell them that they did the right thing in telling, make sure and tell them how proud you are that they had the courage to speak up.