If you know a child who is being abused then it becomes your responsibility to help that child through emotional support and escaping the situation. There are some things you need to keep in mind as you comfort and assist the child, however.
Let the Child Come to You
It takes a lot of trust for a child to confide in you that he’s been physically and/or emotionally abused. You don’t want to break the child’s trust, and you want to help him escape that abusive situation, so you need to handle this situation with extreme care. You may suspect that the child is a victim of abuse before he ever says anything to you, but you should never push a child to tell you about the abuse before he’s ready. This will only make the child uncomfortable, and he may not want to talk to you about the situation again. Let him come to you about it, and if he becomes quiet and more reserved, change the topic to something less serious. You can always discuss the matter a little later when he’s ready.
Have An Open Discussion
As the adult in the situation, it is your duty to make sure the child is protected from his abuser, which usually means calling Child Protective Services to intervene and get the child to safety before further abuse occurs. When you are gathering information about the child abuse, be sure to do it in the form of an open discussion rather than an interview. Talk to the child in terms that he can understand because that will make it easier for him to communicate with you. Also, try to ask open-ended questions that allow the child to explain the situation himself, such as “That bruise looks painful. How did you get it?” instead of “Did someone hit you?” Your first priority is to make the child feel as comfortable and protected as possible, and gathering evidence against the abuser comes second.
Recovery from the Incident
You likely see the child almost every day, either at home or at school, so you should keep a close eye on him during the recovery process. Make a point of periodically talking to him, and not only about the abuse. Talk to him about whatever he wants to talk about, and if he brings up the incident, then talk with him about it. You may be wondering if the child needs professional help, and that depends on the child. If you notice significant behavioral changes or anything wrong when you’re speaking with him, it may be a good idea to suggest therapy. Don’t force him into it, and make sure therapy sounds like a positive thing, like, “Would you want to meet Mrs. Sylvia. She cares about you, and would like to see you.” The recovery process can be long and painful, but the child you care about can go on to live a life that’s just as happy and fulfilling as anyone else’s. Keep your spirits up because, eventually, both of you will able to put this tragic event behind you.
