When a child discloses
When a child tells someone that they are being abused it can be scary to think about what comes next. Feeling scared or unsure is normal and okay. Here are some steps you can take to help:
Do not question the child. Investigators are trained to ask the right questions to get the right information.
Listen to the child and keep calm. Tell them that it is not their fault.
Write down what the child says and what you see or notice.
Be honest and don’t make promises you may not be able to keep (“The offender will go to jail” or “You will never have to see them again.”).
Do not confront the suspected offender.
Report it! Call the DHHS Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-452-1999. Call the police in the town/place where the abuse happened.
Do not question the child. Investigators are trained to ask the right questions to get the right information.
Listen to the child and keep calm. Tell them that it is not their fault.
Write down what the child says and what you see or notice.
Be honest and don’t make promises you may not be able to keep (“The offender will go to jail” or “You will never have to see them again.”).
Do not confront the suspected offender.
Report it! Call the DHHS Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-452-1999. Call the police in the town/place where the abuse happened.
