Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre_Parent Support Handbook

 There is little evidence to support that children make false accusations/allegations or misinterpret appropriate adult-child contact as sexual abuse . 

DENIAL

Children may still deny that abuse took place, even after making a disclosure. This is a confusing time for children with many mixed emotions – especially if the offender is someone they know and trust. It is not uncommon for children to deny the abuse when questioned by an adult authority figure (e.g., police). Children are often hesitant, and may seem confused and/or uncertain during a disclosure. Their disclosure may appear vague or inconsistent, fluctuate and/or seem unbelievable. These factors do not mean that the child is lying nor do they suggest that the child does not need adult support.

Adapted from: protectchildren.ca

In EVERY case of child sexual abuse, it is NEVER the child’s fault . The offender is responsible for the abuse no matter what the child does. This is important to emphasize when a child discloses.

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