Child & Family Services

What Should I Do if a Child is being Abused?

Stay calm

It is important to remain calm, because the child may think your anger is directed towards her/him/ them.

Believe the child

Let the child know you believe her/him. Tell the child that the abuse was not her/his/their fault.

Listen to the child

Let the child tell you what happened in her/his own words. Expect that the story may be incomplete. Typically, details come out as time goes by. Young children, in particular, may not know how to explain what happened to them. Some children may deny the incident ever occurred.

Report abuse

Call your local police
Contact Child Line at 1-800-932-0313

Seek medical attention

The child may be suffering internal injuries that you cannot see. A medical exam can also provide valuable evidence.

Learn more about our child & family services.

Signs of abuse

Many children who are victimized don’t talk about the abuse. Also, many men or women who sexually abuse children will manipulate or threaten the child in an attempt to keep their victim silent.

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Treatment & Care

CFCC’s treatment approach may prevent long-term psychological effects of sexual abuse, as well as reduce post-traumatic stress issues and the risk of future victimization.

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About the CFCC

The Child & Family Counseling Center (CFCC) at PAAR has provided specialized trauma treatment services to child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse and their families for over 39 years.

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