When a Child Discloses Abuse

1. Stay calm and just listen. It is important that the child not be "interviewed" at this time. The child needs to know that you are available to help him/her. Shock, outrage, or fear may inhibit the child and make her/him feel more anxious or ashamed.
   
   
2. Reassure the child that he/she has not done anything wrong. Be supportive. Let the child know that she/he is safe with you and you're glad that he/she chose to tell you about this. Reassure the child that you will do everything you can to be sure she/he is not hurt again, and you know others who can be trusted to help solve their problem.
   
   
3. Tell the child what will happen next. You will take him/her to see someone who knows just what to do.
   
   
4. Report disclosure immediately to a child protection social worker. Call 1-800-663-9122 to talk to a Ministry of Children and Family Development social worker, or call the Help Line for Children at 310-1234. This is a local, toll free number number from any location in the province.
   
   
5. Make notes of all comments made by the child using his/her exact words where possible. Save all drawings and artwork.

(This material has been abstracted from the "BC Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect". It is published by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and can be viewed on the Internet at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/mcf/)