What To Say To A Child That Has Been Sexually Abused

There are some key messages that are important for children and young people to hear and see from you:

• I believe you.
• I don’t blame you in any way; I blame the abuser.
• The abuse says nothing about you or who you are. I don't see you any differently - apart from seeing how strong you have been.
• I trust you know who is the best person for you to talk to (for example, me, your other parent or carer, other family, friends or a therapist).
• If there is someone else you’d like to talk to, I can help to set this up.
• You can always talk to me at any time. I know different feelings can come up further down the line.
• There is a way forward.