Responding to Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse

Listening to a child disclose details of sexual abuse can be an emotionally difficult situation for any guardian, and trying to find the right way to respond often proves the bigger challenge. However, when handled in a sensitive and caring way, a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse does not have to be an earth-shattering experience. This training will focus on the supportive actions a guardian can utilize to turn a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse into the first step in the healing process. We will explore the disclosure of sexual abuse from a trauma-centered framework, including ways to actively listen and remain calm during a disclosure event, as well as the steps to take after a disclosure has been made.