How to Protect Your Child After Sexual Abuse Has Occurred
When families learn their child has been sexually abused, they experience many different emotions. Parents and children alike are angry, sad, scared, and eager to make things better. All of these emotions are important and all require your attention. However, right now, we want to focus on what you can do to make things better.
Three Things You Can Do to Protect Your Child Now
Whether your child has been hurt by a mentor, a coach, a teacher, or a clergy member in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, it is important for you to do the following to protect your child after sexual abuse:
- Watch for signs of physical harm. These can occur directly or indirectly from abuse.
- Give your child a voice. This will depend on age and personality. However, it is important that your child does not keep everything bottled up. Talking, writing, and drawing are all outlets that can help your child express his emotions in a safe way. For some children, filing a civil lawsuit against the person who committed the abuse and the organization that allowed the abuse to occur can also help with healing.
- Look toward the future. This is, undeniably, a part of your child’s life and will always be a part of your child’s history, but it is not the only part. Help your child to move forward.
Has your child been the victim of sexual abuse? What did you do to help your child through this difficult time? Please leave a comment in the space below and share your ideas. Your comments may help another family provide the support and help they need for their child.
