Has your child been abused? Here's what to do next

It isn't a fun topic to discuss, but unfortunately it's a necessary one: If your child has been abused, what do you do?  Hopefully you'll never have to deal with this type of situation, but if you ever do, it'll be an incredibly emotional time for you--so it's a good idea to understand now what your next steps should be rather than try to figure out what to do in the moment.

•    Call the authorities.  Abuse is a crime, and any abuse should be promptly reported to the authorities so that they can investigate.
•    Call your doctor.  It's important for the doctor to evaluate your child as soon as possible and take note of any signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.  Your doctor can also determine whether your child would benefit from counseling and can refer your child to a counselor who has experience in these matters.
•    No doctor?  Call your advocacy service.  If you have access to an advocacy company like Health Advocate through your employer, you can call them to have them help you find an in-network, local doctor who can quickly fit your child in for an appointment.  People who don't have access to an advocacy service as an employee benefit at their workplace can call Health Proponent, Health Advocate's consumer division, for help finding a doctor.
•    Be calm and reassuring.  You may feel angry, fearful, sad, or many other negative emotions during this trying time.  When you're around your child, though, do your best to remain calm.  Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your child.  Ask your child if they want to talk, and let them know they can tell you anything without fear of being scolded or punished.  Ask your child if there's any way you can help them feel better.  If your child notices that you're angry or upset, reassure your child that you are not angry at them.

It's important for you to get the help you need during a situation like this, too.  It may also be a good idea for you to seek counseling in order for you to talk through some of your feelings in connection with this situation and seek advice on healthy ways to cope.  An advocacy service can also assist you in finding a counselor that can help you.  Also, you can turn to some helpful online resources for guidance and support during this difficult time.  Consider exploring Darkness to Light, Helpguide.org, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, or RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network).