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Your response to a victim's disclosure
is Vitally IMPORTANT
- The offender has told them not to tell, often with accompanying threats such as, “they will take you away from your family if you tell”.
- They think they will get into trouble.
- They feel guilty or ashamed.
- They feel that no one will believe them.
What to do if a child or young person
discloses harm to you
- Listen carefully to all they say.
- Tell them you believe them and it’s not their fault.
- Let them know you will do everything in your power to help them, but do not make promises.
- Let the child know that you will need to tell someone to help keep them safe. Though this may upset the child, it is very important that you act protectively and in the child’s best interest.
- Do not force them to talk about it, you are there to listen to what they want to tell you.
- Do not use direct or leading questions.
- Do what you need to do to make the child feel safe.
- Importantly: follow your obligation to report as soon as practically possible.
- When documenting, use the child’s exact words as best you can.