Parents

When your child tells you they have been assaulted… 

First step: Believe them. Comfort them. Then, take immediate action to keep your child from any repeat contact with the accused abuser. If there is any remote chance to find physical evidence, take your child to an Emergency room immediately. Don’t ask too many questions off the bat- they are scared, hurt and just need support. It is not your job in this moment to corroborate their story, seek immediate justice or interrogate your child. Love on them how they want you to love them. 

Second: Contact the Police department. Any lewd, sexually motivated, inappropriate behavior toward your child is a crime. The most common regret of a parent in this situation is not doing enough in the beginning. The most important first step is to get a police response first. If you tell anyone else that is a mandated reporter- this is their legal obligation. Document the entire experience- who you talked to, case number, police discussion, record everything you can- even your child’s statement. Get all the information you can from them. This will be important later. 

Third: In a coordinated effort with the police department, discuss your next moves. Based on the severity of the issue, how much or how little the police stay involved is up to you. Police departments are usually understaffed and not given enough resources to follow-up on every lead or report. You must be vigilant. In this instance, after you have protected your child from a repeat assault – you must fight hard for a resolution. It is also common that your child is not the only victim so take all necessary and rational actions to protect others. Ask for a Forensic Interview and a victim advocate from your local Child Advocacy Center. Ask for Victim Services. Ask for any resource available. 

Fourth: Based on the severity of the report, but even if the most extreme of assaults, legal justice is a rare final outcome. Contact your insurance company immediately to see about obtaining mental health counseling for your child. With your police report number, mental health counseling should be covered as a response measure for health. If not- each state has a victim services department that will provide services for free to your child. This is a crucial step. Do NOT skip this step. Helping your child now is the most important job you have. You should also see a therapist to talk about the ordeal you went through. You also may minimize your own need for self-care-  this is moment you think about putting your own oxygen mask on during the flight before your loved one. Your child needs you at this crucial time more than ever. 

Please keep in mind: Each law and protocol varies by State or County. However, you can never advocate too hard or push too hard for ethical handling of your childs case. Always be respectful of authorities, but firm in your resolve. And record, document, screenshot EVERYTHING.

Should you have further issues or a unique situation, please contact us and we will see if we can help. Also- please look at the FAQ section.