If a child tells you about being touched or assaulted, take it seriously. Your response is very important and will influence how the child will react and recover from the abuse. In a reassuring tone, find out as much as you can about the incident. Explain to your child that you are concerned about what happened. Don't be angry.
Many children feel guilty, as if they had provoked the assault.
Children need to be reassured that they are not to blame, and that they are right to tell you what happened. A child may need to be taken immediately to a doctor or an emergency room. Sometimes the child may need to be treated for V.D. and checked for pregnancy. Law enforcement, special hot-lines or a child welfare agency should be contacted right away. Sometimes, a child may be too frightened or confused to talk directly about the abuse.