April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and many resources are coming out to provide awareness and prevention. Earlier this month, FCS published a blog post on How to Identify Hidden Signs of Child Abuse, breaking down the four sub-categories of child abuse: emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
Once you are familiar with identifying signs of child abuse and have confirmed child abuse is occurring, we want you to feel empowered in handling the situation and knowing what steps to take next. It is essential to learn how to cope after child abuse has happened for both the children and adults impacted because the effects of abuse linger for a long time after the abuse stops.
What should l do to help a child cope after child abuse?
There is a lengthy healing process that takes place after child abuse occurs. As an adult (parent, guardian, family member, etc.), you may have mixed emotions when you are first told a child has been abused or neglected. Those emotions may take over, making it difficult to know how to react or respond. Emotions of anger, anxiety, fear, sadness, and shock are normal responses, and it may take some time for the news to sink in.
RAINN mentions that in order to provide the affected child with a safe environment, the safe adults helping them work through their healing process need to take care of themselves too.
Ways that adults can take care of themselves when dealing with child abuse:
- Consider one-on-one counseling, as professional support can lead to healthier long-term and short-term results for both child and adult
- Develop a strong support system consisting of family, friends, or support groups
- Take time to do activities that do not revolve around the abuse
- Practice self-care
As The Child Welfare Information Gateway states, child abuse and neglect survivors need safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and an environment to help heal from the trauma they’ve experienced. The goal is to build resilience for these children, and they can work towards creating that resilience with the help of the safe adults in their lives.
Coping for survivors of child abuse or neglect can be very difficult and takes time. But with a strong support system, their healing process will be less challenging to navigate. Many adults ask themselves questions such as, “How can I be the best support?” or “How can I adjust to any changes?”
Many may feel they don’t know where to start, so let’s break the process down into bite-sized pieces to simplify the actions to take.
How do I help a child build resilience?
- Model a positive outlook – when you encounter a problem, show the child you can bounce back and that the issue is only short-term and things will improve.
- Build confidence – when the child does something well, tell them what they did well.
- Express support – building connections is vital during this process. Being able to tell the child you love them and show them that love in your actions is important and helps build your connection with them so they know they can come to you when faced with a challenge.
- Be consistent – if you commit to something with the child, show up. They need to see they can trust you.
- Be patient – every child is different, and their reactions to the trauma they’ve experienced can vary. Remember to stay calm and be patient throughout the process.
- Allow them to express their emotions while teaching them healthy behaviors – help them identify what they are feeling and how to express those feelings in a healthy way.
Child abuse often goes unseen or is not discussed, and many individuals still find themselves in the healing process. If you know of any child who may be in danger or suspect a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, act and report it to the state of Illinois. Report suspected abuse by calling the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (2873) or making a report on the online report link.
If you or anyone else you know is struggling to help a child cope after child abuse, it’s essential to get the help needed from a qualified mental health provider. Family Counseling Service is here to help and provide a safe environment. Call us at 630-844-2662 or contact us online to schedule individual therapy and give yourself permission to take care of yourself.
Thank you for this! I appreciate the clear guidance on how to support a child after abuse, especially the focus on safe, nurturing relationships and trauma-informed care. Every caregiver should read this.