The Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Course For Mandated Reporters

Children and Disclosure

Children disclose their abuse in direct and indirect ways, and many times not at all. It is important that we observe, and listen in order to protect the safety and wellbeing of the child that has come before us.

A child rarely lies about being abused. Some children have told about their abuse, but were not believed and were sometimes accused of lying and then punished as a result. Children are also reluctant to disclose their abuse because it may be someone they love, like a parent. They may fear the consequences to their parent, family or self. They could also feel humiliation and do not want to draw any more attention to an already painful situation.

Sometimes, if they have a disability or are too young, may not be able to articulate the abuse. Some situations of neglect and maltreatment, though painful may be perceived as normal to a child if that is all they have experienced.

Disclosure can take many forms from direct to disguised. Here are some examples:

• My aunt burned me with a cigarette.
• My brother wouldn't let me sleep last night
• I know a friend whose mommy doesn't feed her
• My neighbor makes her son do bad things.
• I have a secret, but you can't tell anyone.
• My friend's boyfriend hits her.