Statistics suggest that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by their eighteenth birthday. Nearly 90% of these children will NOT tell anyone.
If a child discloses abuse believe them. Let them know that this shouldn’t have happened and get help. False accusations do happen, but they are rare. As a parent it is your job to believe your child, until you have proof otherwise.
Non-offending caregiver support is critical to a child’s ability to recover from trauma. Support your child and be sure to take care of yourself as well. Many children benefit from evidenced-based therapy, such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Without intervention and support, trauma can impact children’s medical and mental health. Some may also begin to exhibit problematic sexual behaviors. With proper support victims become not only survivors, but thrivers.
Source: Don’t Force Affection, Children’s Home Society of South Dakota
