Help for parents whose children have been sexually abused
Your role as a parent in discovering your child’s abuse is crucial. It will undoubtedly bring up many different feelings for you, especially if the abuser is known to you.
The response your child will need from you is one of belief, understanding, love and support.
If your child decides to tell you that they have been or are being sexually abused it will not have been an easy decision to make. As soon as you can reassure them it was not their fault. Some of the biggest fears a child has about telling is that they won’t be believed, or they will be blamed for the abuse and told it was their fault.
It is important to try to remain calm (difficult I know), give your child reassurance that they have done the right thing in telling you and from now on you will try to keep them safe.