What To Do If You Think a Child You Know Has Been the Victim of Sexual Abuse

Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
Education, Prevention, and Recovery

What To Do If You Think a Child You Know Has Been the Victim of Sexual Abuse
•	Give the child a safe environment in which to talk to you or another trusted adult. Encourage the child to talk about what he or she has experienced, but be careful to not suggest events to him or her that may not have happened. Guard against displaying emotions that would influence the child's telling of the information.	•	Reassure the child that he or she did nothing wrong.
		•	Seek mental health assistance for the child.
•	Arrange for a medical examination for the child. Select a medical provider who has experience in examining children and identifying sexual and physical trauma. It may be necessary to explain to the child the difference between a medical examination and the abuse incident.	•	Be aware that many states have laws requiring that persons who know or have a reason to suspect that a child has been sexually abused must report that abuse to either local law enforcement officials or child protection officials. In all 50 states, medical personnel, mental health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement personnel are required by law to report suspected abuse.