Support your child:

• BELIEVE YOUR CHILD
• Provide safety, love and support
• Let them know it is okay to cry or be mad
• Make sure your child understands it is not his or her fault
• Do no pressure your child to talk about things
• Return to a normal routine as soon as possible
• See that your child receives therapy as soon as possible
• Teach your children the rules of personal safety
• Be careful not to question your child about the abuse
• Keep your child away from the person suspected of the abuse
• Never advise your child on how to act or what to say to professionals or investigators
• Stay close and assure your child that you will keep him or her safe

Some things you can say that will help your child:

• I believe you.
• I know it's not your fault.
• I'm glad I know about it.
• I'm sorry this happened to you.
• I will take care of you.
• Nothing about YOU made this happen. It has happened to other children too.
• You don't need to take care of me.
• I am upset, but not with you.
• I'm angry at the person who did this.
• I'm sad. You may see me cry. That's all right. I will be able to take care of you. I'm not mad at you.
• I don't know why the person did it. He or she has a problem.
• You can still love someone but hate what they did to you.