When a Child Discloses Abuse

child abuse Law enforcement forensic interview

The First Steps You Should Take When Child Abuse Is Suspected With A Child Under Your Supervision

How To Conduct An Interview With A Child That May Have Been Physically Or Sexually Abused And When To Call Law Enforcement

child abuse Law enforcement forensic interviewYou are a teacher, a daycare worker, a babysitter, or any other person who has contact with children. One day, you observe a child engaged in highly abnormal sexual play; for example, putting a doll’s head close to the child’s genital area, or “humping” another child. You know from your experience working with children that this is not normal. Perhaps a child infer that they may have been physically or sexually abused. What should you do?

First, keep calm. Do not display exaggerated facial expressions. This may cause the child to shut down. Children often “test the waters” when they disclose abuse. If the adults around them are calm, the child is more likely to tell about what happened. If the adults around the child react emotionally or forcefully, or blame the child, the child may clam up. You may never find out what happened, and if the child is being abused, you may unwittingly allow the abuse to continue.

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