Forsyth County Child Advocacy Center
INTERVENTION
Why Youth Do Disclose Abuse
76% I told because I couldn't hold it in any longer. 74% I was scared. Hear: Listen to your friend. Encourage; empathize Affirm; acknowledge Report; refer; reassure Self-care
56% I told because I wanted it to stop so my life could go on.
56% I told because I wanted him/her to be punished.
53% I finally felt comfortable enough to tell.
50% I was afraid someone else would get hurt if I didn't talk.
48% I was afraid I'd get hurt if I didn't tell.
41% I told because I couldn't sleep/ eat/ think anymore.
41% I got tired of the unwanted sexual experiences.
40% Someone else convinced me to tell.
35% Someone else told me about their unwanted experiences.
31% I was pregnant or afraid I might be.
28% Due to a school program about unwanted sex experiences.
22% I told because I didn't want to go home.
Why Youth Don't Disclose Abuse
60% I was embarrassed.
55% I didn't want to get into trouble.
47% I didn't want anyone else to get into trouble.
46% No one would believe me.
29% I still like/love the other person.
29% I was my fault as much as the other person's.
As identified above, child abuse intervention may involve dealing with a disclosure. When dealing with disclosures of abuse and neglect, the recommended procedure is called HEARS:
Tell your friend: "I believe you."
Tell your friend: "I'm sorry this happened to you."
Tell your friend: "It's not your fault."
"I'm glad you told me."
Tell your friend: "Together we're going to get some help."
Disclosures of child abuse and neglect can be very stressful.
Take care of yourself afterward. My 3 Bs of self-care:
Breathe (easy to forget to do when under stress)
Boom-box (listen to great music)
Bubble bath (when I get home)
