What to do if a child tells you about abuse

If you are unsure and would like to talk through your concerns, or would like support, you can contact the NSPCC.

Action for Children has a useful list of questions which may help you decide what action to take if you are concerned about neglect. 

If a child or young person tells you about abuse:

• stay calm and be reassuring
• find a quiet place to talk
• believe in what you are being told
• listen, but do not press for information
• say that you are glad that the child told you
• if it will help the child to cope, say that the abuser has a problem
• say that you will do your best to protect and support the child
• if necessary, seek medical help and contact the police or children's social care
• if the child has told another adult, such as a teacher or school nurse, contact them.
• acknowledge that the child may have angry, sad or even guilty feelings about what happened, but stress that the abuse was not the child's fault.
• you may consider using the school as a resource, as the staff will have a network of agencies they work with, and be able to give you advice.