Listen to and believe children
“… I did, but I didn’t want to tell. I wanted to but I didn’t want to… I was thinking, if I told and he found out, I would be in trouble…”
– Sam (8 years)
Children must often overcome many hurdles in order to disclose their abuse – fear of being further abused, fear of being blamed, fear that they will be in trouble.
Many children have been threatened if they tell anyone about their abuse. Others are repeatedly told that they will not be believed if they tell.
As a result many children never disclose to anyone about the abuse they are experiencing. They remain frightened, alone and unprotected. The reactions of adults make a major difference to the short and long term effects of abuse on children.It is critical to believe children when they tell you about their experiences of abuse or exploitation
Believing starts with listening and keeping an open mind to what children tell you. Children rarely lie about abuse and neglect. Speaking out is rarely easy for them.
After a child has disclosed to you, it is often useful to write down what the child said to you, in the child’s words.
This type of information is extremely helpful when the circumstances for the child are investigated. Record this information, including the date and time, as soon as possible after you have attended to the child’s need for support and protection.