Help for parents/carers whose child has been raped.
This information is age dependant – for this purpose it will focus on the 13-17 year olds – see the sexual abuse section for other information
Your child might not use the word “rape” or understand what this means but if they have been penetrated in any way this is what has happened. Your response to their disclosure will be instrumental to their recovery, If your child tells you that they have been raped they will need you to
- Believe them
- Support them
- It is important to try and remain non judgemental.
No-one deserves to be raped – the fault lies with the rapist.
- Try not to ask too many questions, you do not need to know the exact details, they will tell you if they want to.
- Encourage them to seek medical help quickly and if possible let them tell the Police.
When someone has been raped they can often feel out of control, it is important to not make decisions for them and let them try and decide what they want to do next in their own time. This can be extremely difficult because the sooner they get the professional help the better it would be for them, but you cannot force someone.
Seek some support for yourself too, it is an extremely difficult time for you.