How to react to disclosure?
In cases of child sexual abuse: reporting is protecting!
If child sexual abuse is suspected, a report must immediately be filed with the DYP - Director of Youth Protection.
A child may chose to disclose an incident of sexual abuse to his or her parent(s), to professionals that work with children such as teachers and educators, to health and social services professionals, to a significant close parent or other adult. In some cases, an adult might call on a healthcare provider, the police or other services to discuss the situation. Regardless of who was previously consulted, a report must always be filed with the DYP to protect the child's well-being. Everyone MUST file a report to the DYP in the event of suspected or confirmed sexual abuse.
Upon disclosure of child sexual abuse you must immediately report the situation to the DYP. It is the DYP's responsibility to determine if the situation warrants further action.
Everyone is obliged by law to file a report with the DYP upon disclosure of a child sexual abuse.
Necessary action must be taken to avoid the child coming into further contact with the offender or alleged offender.
Caution: To avoid influencing the child's testimony of the events, it is recommended to avoid leading questions or pushing too hard for details and to allow the child to speak freely in his/her own words. Jot down everything the child has confided. Professionals trained in non-suggestive interviewing techniques, are enabled to interrogate child sexual abuse victims.
