The Child Help Organization states that there are 3.2 million reports of child abuse made every year in this country.
In the 2007, approximately 5.8 million children were involved in these reports, which show us that there are definitely more children being abused than there are officially reported incidents. These figures are not even taking into account children who are afraid to speak up about their abuse. What can you do to get children to speak about daycare abuse?
Familiarizing yourself with the startling results is a good start. Though it can be very awkward to broach this subject with a child, comprehending the fact that almost five children die everyday as a result of excessive abuse from a parent or a daycare worker will motivate you to take this assignment seriously.
You may be a parent, a guardian, a friend or a concerned social worker. Understand that the role you play in the child’s life will have a direct bearing on what he tells you, and whether or not he tells you the truth about daycare abuse. The first step should be to approach the conversation with an intention, and to do so cautiously.
Do not feel guilty for reporting evidence of daycare abuse to the proper authorities. If you notice physical or emotional evidence of abuse, then you have every right (and an obligation) to try and help the child. A child may lack courage to come forward himself. You will need to be assertive and encouraging to the child, showing that you will protect him against any reprisal.
After focusing on your own behavior and tone, now concentrate on helping the child to speak his mind. Writer Carol A. Josel gives some tips on helping children to speak up even when they don’t want to. This can apply for any school or daycare abuse.
- Do not be too overbearing or overreact. The child fears your volatile response. Be calm and stable.
- Do not immediately interrogate the child. Gradually work your way to the answers.
- Listen closely, focus your attention on the child and maintain eye contact.
- Ask open-ended questions to get more than just one-word answers.
Reassure the child that the abuse is not his or her fault. Often children are told by their abusive guardians that they “deserve” the excessive abuse they are receiving. Deep down, a child wants to tell you what happened. When trying to get a kid to vocalize abuse, it’s just a matter of increasing his or her comfort level until he or she can tell you what happened without being in fear.
If you discover that your child has been the victim of daycare abuse then call the Rasansky Law Firm at 1-877-403-9378 or email us via the contact form on this page.