How to react if child sexual abuse is suspected?
Did you know?
To file a report with the DYP - Director of Youth Protection, absolute certainty that a child needs protection is not required, reasonable doubt suffices!
If child sexual abuse is suspected you must immediately report the situation to the DYP.
In some cases, an adult can call on a healthcare provider, the police or other services to discuss the situation. But regardless of who was previously consulted, a report must always be filed with the DYP to protect the child's well-being. It is the DYP's responsibility to determine if the situation warrants further action.
Any adult who has contact with children and suspects that abuse has occurred must file a report with the DYP; this includes parents, healthcare professionals, educators, teachers, etc.
How to react with the child?
To avoid influencing the child's testimony of the events, it is recommended not to question or pressure a child for details. Instead, it is suggested to allow the child to speak freely in his/her own words. Try to immediately jot down everything the child has confided. Remember that professionally trained people, with non-suggestive interviewing techniques, are available and able to deal with children who have been sexually abused.
Procedure
A report can be filed with the DYP - Director of Youth Protection in your local area, 24 hours a day / 7days a week. www.batshaw.qc.cq
Identity of the person filing the report remains confidential.
Before filing a report we recommend you go over the check list provided in the "Filing a Report with the DYP is Already Protecting a Child. When and How to File a Report?".
Upon request, the DYP can provide you with other professional references. Other personal steps may be undertaken by the parent(s).
