It takes a great deal of courage and trust for a child to disclose that s/he is experiencing abuse or neglect. If a child confides in you, use the following guidelines to respond in a helpful and sensitive way.

• Stay calm and neutral. The child may retract information or stop talking if s/he senses a strong reaction from you.
• Believe the child and be supportive. Children rarely make up stories about abuse.
• Listen without interrogating the child or passing judgment. Most children know their abusers and often have conflicted feelings. Let the child tell the story at his/her own pace.
• Validate the child feelings. Tell the child you are glad s/he told you.
• Assure the child you care and that the abuse or neglect is not his/her fault.
• Find out what the child wants from you.