How to Handle Abuse Disclosure

Most organizations agree everyone is responsible for keeping children and young people safe. Child abuse laws exist on the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that the treatment of children is fair and ethical and protects them from all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological.

According to Darkness to Light, “Federal laws offer standards and guidelines, while state laws and regulations govern most child abuse issues. Today, all states have enacted laws to protect against abuse and neglect. The issues addressed at the state level are mandatory reporting, responding to child abuse and neglect, and statutes of limitation for prosecution.” For this post, we will focus on mandatory reporting. Nevertheless, these laws differ for each state, so it is critical to research and understand your laws.

Mandatory Reporting

These laws require those who work closely with children to alert authorities of any suspected abuse. The law also states that failing to report abuse comes with penalties. When seeking information on your state’s mandatory reporter laws, you’ll want to refer to your government’s website for specifics.

Disclosure of abuse can happen at any time and when you least expect it. That’s why it’s essential to know when, what to report, and how to respond. The first few moments of disclosure are the most important as they will set the tone for gathering further information you’ll need for reporting.

When To Report

It’s best to make a report within 24 hours of becoming concerned or disclosure. You want to report situations where a child personally discloses abuse, when someone witnesses abuse directly or has seen consistent signs and indications. Additionally, when an offender discloses abuse – but that is not covered here.

 What To Report

Making a report can feel complicated and scary. However, everyone needs to do their part when protecting children. Reporting in good faith as a citizen protects you from civil liability. Remember, you don’t have to prove your concerns before contacting authorities.

Here is information the Department of Health and Welfare suggests having available when making a report:

• Your name, address, phone number, and relationship to the child.
• The child’s name, names of family or guardians, current address, and phone number.
• Explanation of your concerns regarding the safety or care of the child.
• A description of injury to the child and when and where the incident occurred.
• Current location of the child and if they are in immediate danger.
• Names of people who may have supplemental information.
• Helpful information, such as photos, prior statements of concern, and past feedback from others who have interacted with the child.

Your Response

Disclosure is complex, and for it to happen, a child needs to have someone they trust. The most important thing is that the child knows they will be believed and receive help. Without someone willing to believe them and act, they will continue to be vulnerable to abuse.

When a child reveals abuse to you, there may be a reluctance to act. This reluctance may occur for several reasons. For example, the child does not want the abuse to be reported for fear of the abuser getting in trouble. Whatever the case, keep in mind that children may continue to be at risk by not reporting.

Disclosure should be treated sensitively with minimal emotion. Here are some suggested best practices for handling a disclosure.

• Respond calmly.
• Listen carefully and be attentive.
• Assure the child they are not to blame.
• Take the child at their word.
• Let the child speak freely, and don’t interrupt.
• Praise their courage for doing the right thing.
• Don’t offer false promises.
• Only ask questions for clarification.
• Protect the child immediately from the alleged abuser.
• Do not share your personal opinions about the alleged abuser.
• Clarify that the child understands the next steps.
• Document the disclosure with as much detail as possible.
• Protect the child’s right to privacy and treat all information confidentially.
• Report the abuse to authorities.

After The Fact

Once a disclosure has taken place and authorities have been contacted, the responsibility remains to provide ongoing assistance for the victim and family.

Here are some suggestions for offering support.

• Implement protective measures.
• Offer needed care for the child and family.
• Show up, check in, listen, and affirm the family’s needs.
• If the alleged perpetrator is a worker in your organization, immediately terminate or suspend the individual.
• Help find a qualified treatment.
• Post signs and share information often about abuse prevention & reporting.
• Host a support group for abuse survivors and their families.
• Publicize your zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
• Communicate your organization’s commitment to child safety & protection.
• Always be ready to answer questions about child safety and your child protection policy.

The Reason to Report

The American SPCC estimates that 1,990 children die from unreported abuse or neglect each year. Reporting abuse is critical because it saves lives, protects our most vulnerable, helps to hold offenders accountable, and ensures children receive the support they need. For survivors, it’s the number one cause of adult depression, anxiety, and suicide. By reporting abuse, you are helping to create safer, more supportive, and stable communities that benefit everyone.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of using secure children’s and youth check-in to help manage your children’s area and improve safety. For more safety tips and information, subscribe to the KidCheck blog or connect with us on X, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Sources:

Darkness to Light – https://www.d2l.org/get-help/reporting/protection-laws/

Idaho Health and Welfare – https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families/child-and-family-services-and-foster-care/reporting-neglect

American SPCC – https://americanspcc.org/child-maltreatment-statistics.