You may be the first person in whom the child has confided. The child may be scared, worried about previous threats from the perpetrator, concerned about what you think, afraid what a parent or teacher might think of them, fear it was their own fault, or be protective of the perpetrator towards whom they have ambivalent feelings. The child may take your reaction personally and think you are upset with the child. Do not make judgments. Your judgments may frighten the child or actually be opposite to what the child wants or thinks.
Sexual abuse is a widespread problem in our society.
Sexual abuse has many negative consequences for the child, family and all involved. There is something you can do about it. Therapy is an essential part of the healing process. With treatment, children who have been sexually abused are able to lead normal, healthy lives by learning how to better accept and cope with the abuse. Therapy is an essential part of this process.