When a child or youth chooses to tell you something is happening to them it means they trust you and have identified you as a safe person to talk to. It is important to prepare ourselves and know how to react when hearing their story. How you react will have an impact on them and it’s crucial to know how to respond and what actions need to be taken.
- Remain Calm & Be Strong:
- Do not let the child see or sense any negative emotions or reactions, this may result in the child being less likely to tell their story again.
- Be An Active Listener:
- Thank the child for sharing. Document all information you know for the investigation without seeking additional details from the child.
- Let The Child Lead:
- Do not fill in the blanks or ask probing and leading questions. Let the child explain in their own words.
- Assure the Child:
- Reassure that the child is not at fault. It is never the person who is being hurt’s fault. This can be told to both children and teens – they are never to blame for what has happened to them. Don’t promise outcomes, i.e. “the offender is going to jail”.
- Practice Self-Care:
- Receiving information regarding child abuse can be difficult. Recognize when you are in need of assistance yourself following a disclosure.
- Report to Authorities:
- Take a deep breath and take action. This is a key step in advocating for children and youth. Places to report include:
- If a child is in immediate danger, please call 911
- Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868
- Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
- Online Exploitation: cybertip.ca
- Lethbridge Police Service Non-Emergency Reporting: 403-328-4444
- RCMP Reporting Line: 403-345-5000
- Take a deep breath and take action. This is a key step in advocating for children and youth. Places to report include: