Mental health articles

How to Help Abused Children  Helping the abused child

How to Help Abused Children  Help the child feel positive about himself

• Reassure the child that he is not responsible for the abuse.

• Give positive messages to the child about his behaviour and emotions.

• Suggest activities that the child enjoys, such as playing with friends.

How to Help Abused Children  Help the child to trust

• Be someone whom the child can talk to in confidence.

• Spend time alone with the child.

• Show love and affection, but remember to be careful about physical touching.

How to Help Abused Children  Help the child to identify and express emotions

• Play games that involve naming feelings and emotions.

• Read books that involve emotions.

• Talk about what emotions the child is experiencing and why.

• Teach the child ways of dealing with anger, such as playing with toys until she calms down.

How to Help Abused Children  Help the child make a safety plan

• If there is a local police number, write it down somewhere where the child will find it easily.

• Choose a friend or neighbour where the child can go for help.

• Help the child learn to say ‘no’ to the adult.

How to Help Abused Children  Healing messages for children

• I care about you.

• I respect you.

•You are lovable.

•You have strengths.

• It is a good thing you have told me; now we can make sure you will not be hurt again.

• Most adults would never hurt children.

•You can say no if you don’t like the way someone touches you.

 

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• Parenting Emotional Abuse
• Relationships: Domestic Violence Power And Control Wheel
• Books On Child Abuse
• Child Abuse Intervention Strategies

Tags: abuse, children