Parents and Carers
Do you suspect a child has been sexually assaulted?
For more information on what to do and how to respond, check out our Crisis Information Booklet
What to say
If a child even hints in a vague way that sexual assault has occurred, encourage him or her to talk freely (beware of asking direct questions as this may impede any ensuing investigations). Don't make judgmental comments.
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Show that you understand and take seriously what the child is saying. Child and adolescent psychiatrists have found that children who are listened to and understood do much better than those who are not. The response to the disclosure of sexual assault is critical to the child's ability to resolve and heal the trauma of sexual assault.
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Assure the child that they did the right thing in telling. A child who is close to the abuser may feel guilty about revealing the secret. The child may feel frightened if the abuser has threatened to harm the child or other family members as punishment for telling the secret.
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Tell the child that he or she is not to blame for the sexual abuse. Most children in attempting to make sense out of the abuse will believe that somehow they caused it or may even view it as a form of punishment for imagined or real wrongdoings.
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Offer the child protection, and promise that you will promptly take steps to see that the abuse stops.Finally, report the matter to those who can help protect the child.
What to do
Report any suspicion of child sexual assault.
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If the abuse is within the family, report it to the Poilice or the Department of Child Safety or your State’s equivalent. Contact details are listed on our "Links" page. The Department’s main role is to assess the report of harm to the child, assess the risk of further harm and provide appropriate responses.
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If the abuse is outside of the family, report it to the Juvenile Aide Bureau at your local Police Station.
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While each State and Territory has its own legislation, the Department and the Police will work together in most cases. The Police role is to investigate the report to assess if a crime has been committed, and to provide the appropriate response.
If you are unsure who to contact or what to do next, contact an advocacy or support service such as Bravehearts. If you do not know who to contact in your area, please call Bravehearts toll free number: 1800 114 474.
Support
It is important that a child has an opportunity to work through the traumatic event and the trauma symptoms that have resulted as a consequence of the sexual assault perpetrated against them.
Therapists that are experienced in child sexual assault are able to work with children in a safe and supportive environment.
If the case is under investigation or going through court, make the therapist aware of this to avoid jeopardising the outcome.
For information on Bravehearts counselling services click here or contact us
