Escape Now

HOW TO HELP

If you are faced with helping a child who has been sexually assaulted or abused, please consider the following:

Don't deny the problem. Believe the child, no matter how hard it may be. Never assume the child is making it up.

Control your emotions. Stay calm. Fear and anger are normal reactions, but they can frighten the child. Be sure not to blame, punish or embarrass the child.

Give emotional support. Tell the child that he or she was right to tell and is not to blame. Reassure the child that he or she is safe and that no harm will come from reporting the incident.

Get information. Find out as much as you can about what happened before, during and after the incident.

Get medical assistance. Contact a health-care provider promptly for treatment of any physical injuries. Ask the health-care provider to refer you to a counselor experienced in handling sexual abuse.

Contact the appropriate social service agency. Agencies that can help include The Center for Prevention of Abuse and the child welfare or child protective services unit of the Department of Social Services. These agencies can give psychological treatment to the victim and family. They may also be able to help the abuser, if he or she is a friend or family member. Social service agency numbers are listed in the community services section of your phone book.