Mental health articles

Child Abuse Intervention Strategies Questions to ask the family or friends

Few adults will openly report that they feel that a child they know is being abused. It is essential

that, if you suspect child abuse, you ask the adult in a frank and open way.

• Do you suspect or know whether this child is being hurt in any way by someone? If there is a possibility, be more specific by asking about all three types of abuse. Do not skip asking about emotional abuse just because it seems less ‘serious’ than sexual or physical abuse.

• Who do you think is hurting the child? When did it start?

• Has the child been hurt physically? How seriously? What was done for this?

• Has the child been hurt sexually? How seriously? What was done for this?

• Have you shared this information with anyone else? Who?

• Have you told the person (the abuser) that you are concerned about what is going on? If so, what was his reaction?

• Who is the child’s guardian? If it is the abuser, then ask who else could take responsibility for the child.

Child Abuse Intervention Strategies Questions to ask the child

• Sometimes children can get hurt by a grown-up person. Has

anyone grown-up hurt you recently?

• If so, who was it? If the child is scared to answer, do not

force her. Move on to the next question.

• How did he hurt you? How often?

• How do you feel about this?

• Have you told anyone else? Who? What did they say to you?

Child Abuse Intervention Strategies Special interview suggestions

• Interviewing children about the possibility of abuse is difficult.

Ideally, get an experienced health worker to talk to the children.

• Do not ask questions about abuse until you have established rapport with the child. If this means spending more time, then do so. Using toys can help the child relax.

• Speak to the child calmly. Make it clear that the child can ask questions about anything.

• Interview the child with the mother, or with another adult who is definitely not a suspect abuser and whom the child trusts.

• Do not make accusations or threats against anyone. You may frighten the child and make the adults suspicious of your intentions.

Child Abuse Intervention Strategies Things to look for during the interview

A child who has been abused is likely to be very sensitive to being examined physically. Respect the child’s privacy. Explain what you are doing and why. Have a trusted family member present

during the examination. Document the findings in detail. These may be needed in a police investigation. A thorough physical examination of the child should include:

• weight and height (to look for signs that the child is not growing properly);

• any injuries on the body;

• any injuries or inflammation of the sexual organs – always examine the anal region as well, especially for boys.

 

 

Related articles

• The Proactive Search for Mental Illnesses in Children
• Analysis and Application: Understanding PTSD and Crisis Intervention

Tags: abuse, child abuse, intervention