Do

Don't

• Tell them that you believe them
• Reassure them
• Tell them that you do not blame them
• Tell them that you will do all you can to keep them safe
• Let them know that you still love them
• Let them know that you are glad that they told you
• Give them time to talk to you at their pace.
• Make time to spend with your child so you can talk privately
• Be open and clear with them
• Explain to your child in words they can understand what is happening with any court or legal action which may be taking place
• Allow your child to talk about the confused way that they may feel
• Try to be calm when talking with your child as they may be confused by anger
• Try to understand as much as you can about the effects of child sexual abuse so that you can best support yourself and your child

• Blame your child for what happened
• Suggest that it would have been better if they had stayed quiet about the abuse
• Tell your child that you blame yourself
• Tell your child to forget it ever happened
• Tell your child not to talk about it
• Get upset every time your child talks about the abuse.