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How do I support my child/teen that has been sexually abused?

14 Answers
Last Updated: 10/01/2019 at 10:08pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Lauren Abasheva, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

A sex positive, and kink knowledgeable therapist with an open mindset and a clear understanding that we are all different.

Top Rated Answers
ConallBranagin
December 21st, 2014 6:59pm
Believe them. Listen, help them find a professional to help them sort through their feelings and how to cope with what has happened. Allow them to vent, share and help them create an environment that is safe. OPen communication no matter how hard it is to hear or believe. Remind them it is not their fault, they are not alone in this and theyat you will be with them.
WendyLynn87
December 14th, 2014 5:35am
As a mother of a child who has experienced sexual abuse, the most important thing you can do is tell your child that you believe him or her. Make sure they are receiving attention from a certified therapist. Don't dwell on it. Don't be afraid to talk about it on their terms. Keep your mind and your heart open to them. Remind him or her that you love them no matter what. And do lots of things that are fun, light hearted, and up beat. It will do wonders for their spirit, and yours.
Anonymous
December 21st, 2014 7:00pm
love him. protect him. talk to him. listen to him. understand him and always be there for the child. that's what i always say.
HeyItsMeLiz
November 8th, 2014 1:43pm
Report the abuse to the police, first of all, and then ask your child what would make him/her feel better. Look into post-trauma counseling, and perhaps therapy. Make it clear to your child that what happened to them was very wrong, and that you are sorry it happened. Ensure that he/she knows they have your full support and that they are not dirty, they are not trash, and the person had no right to treat them the way they did.
Spiderman93
November 20th, 2014 10:09pm
Just be there for them. Sometimes its not the talking that helps. Sometimes its really just being there for them to cry, rant, vent, or whatever else they may need. If they want to and your area has one, maybe you could check out a support group together.
Anonymous
November 28th, 2014 7:39am
Its important to be understanding. Also it may be hard for him or her to trust anyone so try to build that trust again. Seeing a therapist will help.
tubaart
December 2nd, 2014 1:38am
Let them guide you and set the pace - don't overwhelm them, but let them know you are there for them. Tell them (1) that you love them, (2) that it was not their fault, (3) that you will be there for them. If only those three messages get through, you will have done a lot. Then listen to them.
Anonymous
December 17th, 2014 11:10pm
Set up professional counseling and invite them to tell you how they feel. Listen to their feelings with love and caring.
StJimmy
December 30th, 2014 10:50pm
Be there for that person. Do not hover around too much as the trauma is already too much. Be There for that person. Show love and tell that person that it was okay to go through something like that. So that they don't get trapped in their own guilt and pain. They would prefer this issue to be anonymous , so only the closest must try to talk to them. Hold their hands and tell them, I'm here for you.
Greatlistener87
March 21st, 2016 4:00am
You have to always remind them that they are safe when they are with you. Do provide extra counseling and help if necessary to get your child to cope.
EnigmaticPetrichor
March 22nd, 2016 4:15am
Treat them the same way as you treated them before. If they need to talk to someone, be there for them and get them a therapist, and if they talk about it, believe everything they say and comfort them. But the most important thing is to see them as your child, not a victim of sexual abuse.
Anonymous
June 6th, 2016 1:38pm
As a victim of sexual abuse the best support I was given was being listened to talking about it made all the difference and was definitely healing. Knowing I could talk to my mum about it without being blamed of judged was the best therapy out there
Anonymous
January 10th, 2017 10:22pm
You need to be there for them, you need to love them and assure them that it is not their fault and that the assault will not end them. Let them know they are safe now and that they are not responsible for what happened and be there for them because it is a tough thing to go through and they need all the support and kindness in this world again.
Zombiechick210
October 1st, 2019 10:08pm
First of all, let me just say I would never wish that upon anybody. It's a terrible thing. I am a teen and I went through that. It was a very rough thing to go through. I personally just needed time to get through it.. All you can really do is make sure your teen knows you are there for them, and that they aren't alone. Some teens won't want to discuss it because of how.. demoralizing it made them feel. It'll be hard for you and your teen to go through and I am so sorry you had to go through this.