Where to Report Abuse
If you see Child Abuse happening, call the Police at 911 immediately.
What to DO when a child comes forward:
- Contact Law Enforcement at 911 and the Department of Children Services at 1-877-237-0004 immediately and without exception
- Comfort and reassure the child, when needed
- Arrange for immediate counseling, if needed
- Document the information and your concerns in writing as soon as possible
- Secure medical attention, if appropriate
- Keep the child separate from the alleged offender, if possible
What NOT to DO when a child comes forward:
- Make promises you cannot keep
- Attempt to investigate the allegations on your own
- Make the child repeat the disclosure to other responsible adults
- Inform the alleged offended of the accusation or the identity of the child
- Overreact, be judgmental or become overly emotional in the presence of the child
- Confront the alleged offender
Ways to RESPOND when a child comes forward:
- Go slowly and deliberately—don’t ask too much too quickly and don’t pressure the child to keep talking
- Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling
- Let the child know you believe his or her story
- Tell the child it was not his or her fault; repeat this message
- Keep your own anger in check
- It is all right to say you are sorry for what happened, but don’t allow your feelings of sadness or anger overwhelm the child’s feelings or take precedence
- Tell the child briefly what will happen next
- Give continuing support for the courage and strength it took for the child to tell
