You found out your child has been sexually abused.

Now what?

You loved them from the start, and you put everything into them. You once thought you knew what happiness was, but then they were born, and you realized you knew nothing. They are your very own creation…your miracle. They are your life…

And someone has stolen their innocence.

No words can express what a parent goes through upon learning their child has been sexually abused. It’s the most heinous of crimes, and it makes you sick to the bone. Knowing what steps to take seems impossible, as you can hardly think clearly. But you must do something, and the following will get your started.

Remove all guilt.

Just as your child did nothing wrong, you did nothing wrong. You are both victims, so know that, and eliminate all guilt from your conscience. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be able to remedy the situation.

Call the authorities.

Explain to your child that (although it will be difficult) he or she must recount the experience to the police. If there is a lack of evidence, don’t be deterred, and file charges anyways. If a future victim also files charges, the police can revisit your case. Telling your child’s story could prevent another child from suffering the same anguish.

Seek therapy.

And do so for both your child and you. If your child wants to talk to you about the abuse, listen, but seeking professional help can make all the difference as they grow into adulthood.

Protect your child from the abuser.

This might seem obvious, but each crime has unique circumstances. In instances where the perpetrator is a family member or neighbor, do whatever it takes to remove that person from your life. This means no phone calls, letters, and obviously, get-togethers. And just as your child should stay away from the perpetrator, so should you.

Discovering that your child has been sexually abused can flip your world upside-down, but it doesn’t have to destroy you. Be courageous, and take the steps necessary to help both you and your child. Root all of your actions in love, and the darkness surrounding your home will be removed.

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Angie Woodward is a Registered Nurse in Wyoming and is the founder and owner/director of Trinity Teen Solutions, Inc. TTS is a licensed Christian Residential Treatment center for troubled teen girls, young adult women, and their families. Call 307-645-3384 for a free consultation

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