Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center

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  • Awareness Blog
  • ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313
Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center
  • Home
  • About Mercer CAC
  • What to Expect
    • Forensic Interview Services
    • Medical Exams
    • Trauma Treatment
  • For Families and Children
    • What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
      • Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Myths and Facts About Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Abuse and Neglect
    • What is Child Neglect?
      • Preventing Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment
      • Reporting Neglect
      • Responding to Neglect
    • What is Child Physical Abuse?
      • Preventing Physical Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Physical Abuse
      • Reporting Physical Abuse
      • Responding to Physical Abuse
    • What is Child Sexual Abuse?
      • Preventing Sexual Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Sexual Abuse
      • Reporting Sexual Abuse
      • Responding to Sexual Abuse
    • Keeping your Child Safe
      • Domestic Violence and Kids
  • Resources
    • Reading Resources
    • Resource Guide for Working with Adolescents
    • Talking To Your Children About Sexuality
    • What is Age-Appropriate?
    • What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused
  • Internet Safety
    • Abbreviations and Text Terms
    • Cyberbullying & Sextortion
    • Facebook- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Instagram- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Snapchat- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Social Media Safety

Responding to Physical Abuse

Homepage Responding to Physical Abuse

When a Child Discloses

When a child or young person tells you that they have been abused, help methey may be feeling scared, angry, guilty, ashamed and powerless.  You, in turn, may feel a sense of outrage, disgust, sadness, anger and sometimes disbelief.

However, it is important for you to remain calm and in control of your feelings in order to reassure the child that something will be done to keep them safe.

You can show your care and concern for the child by:

  • Listening carefully to what they are saying.
  • Telling them you believe them.
  • Telling them it is not their fault and they are not responsible for the abuse.
  • Letting the child know that you will be contacting the appropriate authorities so that they can stop the abuse.
  • Telling the child that you are pleased that they told you.

Your Response

Responding to your belief that abuse has occurred, or is occurring, can be the first important step in stopping the abuse and protecting the child from further harm.

Take action. Call ChildLine (the child abuse hotline) immediately: 1-800-932-0313. If there are immediate safety concerns, also call 911.

prevent abuse signChildren are vulnerable and dependent on adult care.  They are usually powerless to stop abuse and require adult assistance to intervene.  It is important to remember that abusive or neglectful behavior on the part of a caregiver is reversible.

  • For Families and Children
    • What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
    • What is Child Neglect?
    • What is Child Physical Abuse?
    • What is Child Sexual Abuse?
    • Keeping your Child Safe

Childline

Reporting Child Abuse
Call 800-932-0313
(TDD: 866-872-1677)

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Copyright ©2018 Mercer County CAC | 8406 Sharon-Mercer Road | Mercer, PA 16137 | (724) 662-1550 | Mercer Country BHC Inc
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