Is Your Child a Victim of Sexual Abuse at School? What You Should Do

In the school system, authority figures, such as coaches or teachers, may use their position to behave inappropriately. While the idea of this happening is not pleasant to think about, it is a reality that needs to be appropriately addressed. 

The following article will give a thorough breakdown of the steps to take in the unfortunate tragedy of child sexual abuse.

Remove Your Child from the Situation

If you feel your child is a victim of this type of misconduct, you need to learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities. First, you need to separate your child from the perpetrator as soon as possible. If this means removing your child from school and opting for home-schooling, you need to make the change without delay. 

Schedule a Medical Consultation

Schedule an exam and consultation if your child displays bruising or injuries in the genital or rectal areas or other parts of the body. Do they have other problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or other stress-related disorders? Keep a copy of all medical reports and bills related to treatments and exams.

Notify Law Enforcement and Call an Attorney

You will also need to report what you know to law enforcement and contact an attorney specializing in child sexual abuse (CSA) cases. They should be well versed in handling and managing this specific caseload and be well acquainted with the laws that apply to filing times and legal procedures in the case. 

Schedule Counseling for Your Child

Asking your child direct questions about the abuse might not yield any revelatory answers. Instead, contact a counselor or objective and professional third party, so your child can receive counseling. You should also keep records about the therapy and the expenses for your lawyer’s review. 

Seek Counseling For Yourself

While an investigation is conducted, you need to minimize distractions in your family’s life. Not only will your child need counseling, but you should also receive psychological support. Talk to a counselor so you can get through a time that can be marked by personal uncertainty, fear, disappointment, and sadness.

Moderate Your Emotions – Stay Calm

It helps to stay calm and avoid exaggerating or minimizing the incident. For example, now is not the time to threaten the alleged perpetrator, as doing so can scare your child. While the revelation of abuse can greatly upset you, you need to reassure your child you are not upset with them. 

Journalize Your Feelings and Note Your Child’s Behavior

It also helps to journalize your feelings and what you are facing and note your child’s behavior. How are they coping? What have they said about the abuse? What are your observations? All these notations can also assist the people who are investigating the case. 

Prepare for Your Child’s Interview

Usually, your child will be interviewed about the abuse. However, besides yourself, you may need to have another support person at the interview. This may make things more comfortable for your child. Sometimes, children are not as forthcoming about details if they feel shy about revealing them before their parents.

Final Thoughts

Knowing about your child’s sexual abuse can change things dramatically in your life. Therefore, you need to make sure that the people you contact can assist you legally, financially, and emotionally.

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