. . . . . How to Know if a Child is Disclosing
Children rarely will disclose sexual abuse in a clear and direct way. They will often make comments or ask questions that indirectly hint of the abuse.
What disclosure from a child might sound like:
• “Do you like _____________________?” • “ _____________________ is mean” • “ ______________ does not pay attention to me anymore” • “ _____________________ likes girls better than boys” • “I don’t want to be babysat by _____________ anymore” • “I don’t like _____________________ anymore” • “Please don’t leave me with _____________________” (Child is in distress and avoids being left alone with a certain individual) • “I don't like it when you’re gone” • “I have something to tell you but I won’t.” • “I feel uncomfortable when you aren’t here” • “I’m not comfortable with _____________________” • “I’m bad” • “You’ll be mad at me” • “_____________________ gets mad a lot” • “_____________________ did things to me” • “_____________________ does bad stuff to me that I don't like” • “_____________________ plays games with me that I don't like”
Source: protectchildren.ca
What parents can say in response to these comments and questions: • “Can you tell me more about how you feel when you’re with ?”
• “Did something happen when you were with that made you upset?”
• “If anyone has hurt you or touched your body in a way you don’t like, you can tell me. You will not get in trouble.”
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