How to Find Counseling for Child Sex Crime Victims

If you know a child victim of a sex crime, you can obtain counseling and other resources to help them overcome the trauma and stress of the assault. Follow these steps to find professional assistance.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Therapist or counselor
• Police or child protective services agency
• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone

Find Counseling for Child Victims of Sex Crimes

1. Visit the RAINN Web site (see Resources below) to learn what actions you should take if a child admits to being sexually abused.

2. Express your belief in what the child says to you about their sexual abuse and reassure them that you will seek help.

3. Let child victims of sex crimes know that it is not their fault and that they have done the right thing by making a responsible adult aware of their situation.

4. Call the child abuse hotline at [phone] to speak with a counselor over the phone. You may also visit the ChildHelp Web site (see Resources below) to find services in your area or to discover the steps in the process of filing a child abuse report.

5. Call the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) at [phone] for a direct connection to a counseling center in your area.

6. Teach children before they become victims of sex crimes that their body belongs to them alone and that it's all right to say ''No'' to an adult and leave a potentially risky situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Children have the right to the same protection under the law as adults. Make sure your children understand that adults are not allowed to sexually abuse them under any circumstances.
• The warning signs of sexual abuse in children may include bed-wetting, a drastic change in mood or attitude, an unusually keen interest in sexual acts and evidence of fear for a particular person or family member. If you recognize any of these behaviors, find out what is going on and contact the police if you suspect sexual abuse.