You are part of the solution.
Support the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf. Your support can help children heal. Make a donation online today!
It is understandable that waiting during the interview may be difficult. We encourage you to bring a friend or other support person and our Victim Advocate will provide support and helpful information while the interview is taking place.
Abused children often do not feel good about themselves. A child may feel frustrated, guilty, scared or helpless. Professional counseling can help children and parents. A therapist is on site at the CAC or our Victim Advocates can make a referral.
No child is forced to have a medical evaluation. It is highly recommended that all children have a medical examination conducted by specially trained examiners. It is a head to toe non-invasive exam, which is comforting and therapeutic for the child.
Often it is difficult for family members to begin the healing process. Our Victim Advocates will assess your needs and discuss available services.
Each case is different and is discussed with the child and family.
Let your child take the lead. Listen rather than ask questions. Don’t be concerned if your child is too physically or emotionally fatigued to talk initially. You should always praise your child for being brave and offer both love and support no matter the outcome.
Most children have no physical injuries after sexual abuse, but this certainly does not mean that abuse didn’t occur.
A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a child, designed to obtain accurate and complete information when there are concerns of possible events of physical or sexual abuse or when the child has been exposed to violence. The interview is conducted in a developmentally and culturally sensitive manner by a trained forensic interviewer.
Support the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf. Your support can help children heal. Make a donation online today!