When a child makes an initial disclosure it is important that counselors

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a child first discloses sexual abuse, it is crucial for counselors to communicate belief in and support for the child. This helps the child feel heard and validated, and it can encourage them to share additional information. It is not appropriate to investigate the details of the abuse with the child, ask them to identify where they have been touched using dolls, or ask them to determine who the perpetrator is. These tasks should be left to trained professionals who specialize in investigating child sexual abuse.

When a Child Makes an Initial Disclosure It Is Important