• Contact Me Now | Schedule an Appointment

    2019 W. 1900 S. Suite 140
    Syracuse, UT 84075
    nan@connectionscounselingutah.com
    801-888-4990

    • Facebook
  • Connections Counseling, LLC

    • Home
    • Meet Our Therapists
    • Services
    • Getting Started
      • FAQs
      • Rates and Insurance
      • Client Forms
      • Appointment Request
    • Resources
      • Recommended Reading
      • Recent News
      • Mental Health Links
      • Physical Health Links
    • Schedule an appointment
    • Blog

    Strategies for Talking to an Abused or Neglected Child

    February 28, 2018

    For many of us, we remember our childhood fondly with images of birthday parties, family holidays or playing in the park with friends. But for approximately 6 million children in the United States this year, their childhood will also include memories of abuse.

    It’s impossible to understand why anyone would want to harm an innocent child, yet every year approximately 3 million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported in the United States. When you’re in contact with children, whether they’re children of your own, children in your extended family or children you interact with through the course of employment or volunteer work, a child that’s been a victim of abuse may decide to divulge to you their experience of abuse or neglect.

    Listen

    As the child is talking to you, be silent and listen. Let them talk freely. When they pause or stop talking, your calm silence and attention may prompt them to say more.

    Calm

    As the child is talking, it’s important to stay calm and steady, yet caring. Don’t cry, get upset or display any negative emotion as they may feel they’re being punished or shamed. It’s natural for you to feel upset or angry, but be sure to express your anger or upset to the appropriate people.

    When you speak or ask questions of the child, be aware of your tone. Ask questions for the purpose of reporting pertinent details to the proper authorities, and avoid leading questions. Open-ended questions are best.

    Believe

    Believe the child’s report, and let them know they are believed. Now is not the time to assess validity, determine details or do detective work. You might want to say something such as, “I believe you. It’s good that you told me.”

    Reassure

    Re-establish safety with the child by reassuring them that they are loved and cared for, and that they did nothing wrong and are not in trouble. Free them from self-blame by letting them know it isn’t their fault. You can say something such as, “Nothing that happened is your fault” or “You did nothing to make this happen.”

    Don’t restrict the child from play or fun activities unless necessary for their safety. They may see restrictions as punishment.

    Get Help

    Do not alert or confront the alleged offender. Call the local police or Child Protective Services/Department of Children and Family Services in your area as soon as possible to make a report.

    Above all, it’s important that the child receives support and assistance immediately. If your child or a child you know has been the victim of abuse and you need the help of a licensed professional, please contact me today to set up an appointment.

    Share this:

    • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

    Related

    Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


    2019 W. 1900 S. Suite 140
    Syracuse, UT 84075

    801-888-4990
    nan@connectionscounselingutah.com


    Find us on Facebook:

    • Facebook

    Contact Today

    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

    Connections Counseling, LLC
    nan@connectionscounselingutah.com | 801-888-4990

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy