KidCheck Secure Children's Check-in Is Sharing Responding to Abuse Disclosure

Abuse disclosure can occur at any time. That’s why it’s essential to know how to respond and what to report. Disclosure and mandatory reporting go hand in hand. Understanding both is imperative to protecting children.

Disclosure is complex, and the first few moments are the most critical because they lay the groundwork for gathering the information needed to make a mandatory report. For a child to disclose, they need someone they can trust who will believe them and help. Without someone willing to act, they will remain vulnerable to abuse.

Your Response

Disclosure should be handled sensitively and with minimal emotion, as a shocked or upset reaction can instill fear in the child and prevent them from continuing to share. When a child reveals abuse to you, there may be reluctance on your part to act. This hesitancy can occur for several reasons. The most common are not knowing what to say or how to respond.

Here are some suggested responses and practices for handling a disclosure.

What to say in reply

  • I believe you! The three most important words to say to a victim.
  • Thank you for telling me.
  • You did the right thing, asking for help.
  • I’m sorry this happened to you. How can I help?
  • I’m here. I’ll stand with you.

Best practices for handling disclosure

  • Respond calmly.
  • Reassure them they are not at fault.
  • Listen carefully and be attentive.
  • Take the child at their word.
  • Let the child speak freely, and don’t interrupt.
  • Praise their courage for doing the right thing.
  • Don’t offer false promises.
  • Only ask questions for clarification.
  • Protect the child immediately from the alleged abuser.
  • Do not share your personal opinions about the alleged abuser.
  • Clarify that the child understands the next steps.
  • Document the disclosure with as much detail as possible.
  • Protect the child’s right to privacy and treat all information confidentially.
  • Report the abuse to the authorities.

After The Fact

Once a disclosure happens, authorities have been contacted, and the responsibility remains to provide ongoing assistance for the victim and family. Here are a few ways to offer support.

  • Implement protective measures.
  • Offer needed care for the child and family.
  • Show up, check in, listen, and affirm the family’s needs.
  • If the alleged perpetrator is a worker in your organization, immediately terminate or suspend the individual.
  • Help find a qualified treatment.
  • Post signs and share information often about abuse prevention and reporting.
  • Host a support group for abuse survivors and their families.
  • Publicize your zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
  • Communicate your organization’s commitment to child safety and protection.
  • Always be ready to answer questions about child safety and your child protection policy.

Preparing for a child abuse disclosure ensures that a child receives immediate physical safety, protection from secondary trauma, and prevention of further abuse. A calm, supportive, and informed response paves the way for a better outcome.

Free Safety Resource

If you are leading an organization and feeling overwhelmed by the task of creating a safe, secure environment, we have the Optimizing Child Safety eBook to help. It’s a free, comprehensive resource packed with checklists, tips, and proven safety strategies. This eBook will give you, your staff, and your attending families peace of mind by showing you’re taking the right steps to improve child safety.

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Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash