Breaking the Cycle of Child Sexual Abuse

What to do if you think a child is being abused:

If you think a child is being abused, it is important to make a report. Georgia law allows you the opportunity to make a report anonymously. A report is not an accusation; it is simply a request for an investigation.

You can make a report of suspected child abuse in several different ways:

• If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 911.
• You can also make a report by calling the office of your local Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) or by calling the prevent child abuse hotline, toll-free:
• 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373)

Remember that most abusers have more than one victim. If you do not stop an abuser, the likelihood is that the abuser will abuse again.

How to respond if your child tells you s/he has been abused:

If a child tells you that he or she has been sexually abused, your response is very important. Research shows that whether or not a child is believed and supported following making a disclosure is a key factor in determining outcomes of treatment.

Even though a child disclosing to you that he or she has been sexually abused may make you feel uncomfortable, it is important for you to listen carefully and non-judgmentally.

Tell the child that they did the right thing in telling you. It took a lot of courage for a child to tell.

Remember that the overwhelming majority of disclosures of sexual abuse are true. It's important to support a child that discloses abuse.

Assure the child that you will take steps to ensure that the abuse ends.

Tell the child that the abuse was not his or her fault.

Report the abuse immediately (See above).

Consult a physician and mental health professional immediately.