Question

Explain the steps you would take after a client has disclosed that they are/ have been abuse?

Answer 1

Ans-

discloses abuse:
1. Stay calm and listen
2. Go slowly
3. Reassure them that they have not done anything wrong
4. Be supportive
5. Gather essential facts
6. Tell what will happen next
7. Report
8. Make notes

1. Stay calm
 An abused or neglected child or young person needs to know that you are
available to help them.
 Reactions of shock, outrage, or fear might make them feel more anxious or
ashamed.
 A calm response reassures that what has happened is not so bad and can be
worked through.

2. Go slowly
It is normal to feel inadequate or unsure about what to do or say when a child or
young person tells you about their abuse.

Proceed slowly.
 Gentle and open-ended questions such as: "Can you tell me more about what
happened?" are helpful.
 Avoid questions that begin with "why".

3. Be reassuring
 Reassure the child or young person that they have not done anything wrong.
 Avoid questions that are usually associated with getting into trouble. Avoid
using "why" questions.

4. Be supportive
Let the child or young person know:
 they are not in trouble
 they are safe with you
 you are glad that they have chosen to tell you about this
 they have done the right thing telling about this
 you are sorry that they have been hurt or that this has happened to them
 you will do everything you can to make sure they are not hurt again
 you know others who can be trusted to help solve this problem

5. Get only the essential facts
 Be brief.
 Limit your discussion to finding out generally what took place.
 When you have sufficient information and reason to believe that abuse and/or
neglect has occurred, gently stop gathering facts and be supportive.

6. Tell what will happen next
 Don't make promises to the child about what may or may not happen next.
 Provide only reassurance that is realistic and achievable.
 Discuss with the child what you think will happen next and who will be
involved.

7. Report to the Designated child protection coordinator

 Report disclosures of abuse or neglect immediately to the DCPC for follow-up
and referral.
 Express your willingness to help the child through the steps which will follow,
if appropriate.

8. Make notes
 Make notes of all comments. Use the child's or young person’s exact words
where possible.
 Save all drawings and artwork. This information may needs to be shared with
Children’s Social Services and the police.