Reporting Possible Abuse
Reporting
If you think someone is abusing a child:
it is important that you listen to them (the child) most of all.
DO NOT
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Investigate
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Ask leading questions (a question that suggests the answer or contains information the questioner is looking for - That man toched you, didn't he?)
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Make promises
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Notify the parents or caretaker
DO
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Provide a safe environment (be comforting, welcoming, and a good listener)
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Tell the child it was not his/her fault
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Listen carefully
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Document the child's exact quotes
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Be supportive, not judgmental
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Know your limits
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Tell the truth and make no promises
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Ask ONLY four questions:
What happened?
Who did this to you?
Where were you when this happened?
When did this happen?
- Asking any additional questions may contaminate a case!
Report it!
- Call your local law enforcement agency
- Call your local Child Protection Services Agency
- Call the 24-hour Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline and we will connect you to the appropriate agency
More to Come.
If you would like to contribute something to this page, please mail or email your information to:
Companions in Hope
P. O. Box 638
Geneva, Illinois 60134
mail@companionsinhope.com
Thank you for your interest and participation.
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