RESPONDING TO A CHILD DISCLOSING ABUSE
When a child or young person tells you that he or she is being abused or neglected, the most important things you can do are:
- believe the child
- reassure the child that telling you was the right thing to do
- maintain a calm appearance
- find a quiet place to talk with the child
- be truthful
- listen to the child and let them take their time
- let the child use their own words to tell you what happened
- let the child know what you will do next
- do not confront the person alleged to be the abuser
- call the Department’s district office nearest to where the child lives
- be respectful of the sensitive nature of the information and only discuss the child’s situation with professionals who are dealing with the matter
- if possible write down what the child has said.
In Western Australia, doctors, nurses and midwives, teachers and police officers are required by law to report a belief, formed on reasonable grounds in the course of their work, that a child has been the subject of sexual abuse, to the Department. For further details, refer to the Mandatory Reporting website.