INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED CHILD ABUSE

No child or family should have to experience the crisis of trauma or child abuse. But unfortunately there are over 5 million reports annually of child abuse and neglect in the US, over 100,000 in North Carolina , and over 4,000 in Buncombe County. One in 5 children will experience abuse and half will be under 6 years of age. You are not alone

Parenting a child who has experienced abuse can present some challenges. Children who have experienced abuse often develop symptoms that can be frustrating for the child, the family and other in the same household.

It is important for parents/caregivers not see their child's symptomatic behavior as being intentionally negative. These symptoms are often reactions to the trauma of the abuse.

Thankfully, the hurt can now stop and the healing and hope and recovery can begin for your child, you, and your family !

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD:

• Accept your child's fears as real fears
• Encourage your child to return gradually to normal activities
• Give your child choices in situations where they are afraid (sleep with nightlight or with door open)
• Remind your child that what happened was not their fault
• Teach your child about personal safety and body privacy
• Remind your child that no one has a right to touch them where they shouldn't.
• Talk to your child about their feelings (anger, embarrassment, shame etc.) and let them know it's never a child's fault when someone breaks the touching rule

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOURSELF, AS A PARENT:

 The abuse of your child is a very traumatic experience for your child and yourself. Recovery time may be very brief depending upon the severity of abuse, who the abuser is, and whether the child is believed and has a strong family support system. It may, however, span their entire life. In either event it is very important that the child have the support of the people around them. It's also important that you take care of yourself for the wellbeing of yourself and your child.

OTHERS HAVE FOUND IT HELPFUL TO:

• Talk with family members and friends about how you are feeling.
• Stay calm
• Believe your child, but talk with to someone if/when you have doubts.
• Talk to your child and establish true open communication.
• Consider professional support/counseling for your child and yourself.

COUNSELING

Your child may not feel the way he or she did before the abuse - physically, emotionally, or socially. Counseling can help your child deal with these issues, with the impact of the abuse, and help him/her to develop new skills to cope with the abuse

Child Abuse Prevention Services Inc. can provide counseling for you and your child.

PLEASE CONTACT US