Steps to Take if You Believe Your Child Has Suffered Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse has become more prevalent over the past decade. According to statistics, one in ten children will be victims of sexual assault before their 18th birthday. Unfortunately, most cases of abuse involve perpetrators that the victim knows. We see many children harmed in church, at school, or even in daycare.

If you suspect that your child was a victim of sexual abuse, there are various steps that you need to take.

Speak with Your Child

If your child did not disclose the abuse to you personally, but you suspect that they were victimized, talk to them in a very calm and open manner. Use direct language and ask your child if someone had touched them in a way that they did not like or done something to them that made them uncomfortable.

Be sure to reassure your child that it is safe to tell you what happened, even if another adult told them not to tell anyone and keep it a secret.

Believe what Your Child Says

When a child tells you that they were abused, it is important that you report the incident and get the child care right away. This can help to reassure your child that they can trust you and that you believe them and will protect them.

It can be extremely difficult to believe that your child was abused. This is especially true if the person who harmed them is a trusted person, like a teacher, priest, or a relative. However, children rarely make false accusations. In fact, most instances of child sexual abuse go unreported because of the pressure they are put under by the abuser to keep quiet about it.

Report the Abuse

You will need to contact law enforcement immediately. Provide the police with a detailed report of the abuse. The police may refer you to resources that can help your child cope with the trauma they were forced to endure.

Law enforcement will investigate the abuse allegations and take appropriate legal actions. This can help to protect your child and others who the perpetrator may encounter over time.

Get Help for Your Child

Sexual abuse can be mentally and emotionally exhausting for children. It is imperative that you seek counseling and other help through a Children’s Advocacy Center in your area. This agency can help connect you with mental health professionals who specialize in sexual abuse and trauma.

Seek the Assistance of Carmen Durso Today

Finally, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse, your child deserves justice. By reaching out to the Law Office of Carmen L. Durso, our Massachusetts sexual abuse lawyer can help you pursue legal action in civil court.

Our law firm offers a safe space where you and your child can come to tell our team your story. We will then get to work immediately on building the strongest case possible to ensure your legal rights are protected.

We will demand full and timely compensation on your behalf to ensure you get justice. Contact our Boston sex abuse law firm at 617-728-9123 to schedule a free case review with our team today.