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Catholic Diocese of
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Know What to Do if a Child
has been Abused Sexually

If a child tells you he or she has been molested, it is important to send the right message to the child immediately when he or she discloses the information.

>  Do not react with visible horror or disgust. Instead, let the child know that you believe him/her and
    that you are glad the child has told you.
>  Tell the child that what the adult did was wrong and that you will handle the problem.
>  Make sure the child understands that it is not his or her fault. If the offender said the child was to
    blame, tell him/her that the perpetrator was lying and trying to trick the child.
>  Let the child know that you will make sure he or she is protected.
>  If the child reports (or you suspect) that something criminal has happened, never go to the church,
    school, or sports organization first. Go straight to the police, or call the Child Protective Service in
    your state.
>  Do not attempt to confront the offender or investigate the matter yourself.

When there is an allegation that a sexual abuse crime has been committed, only trained investigators should conduct the investigation. Interference by untrained individuals can compromise the criminal prosecution. Why? Because investigators find it best to interview potential defendants before the defendant knows he or she is under suspicion. The aim is to get a confession. The benefit is that a confession often avoids a criminal trial and results in a plea agreement. The means the victim (the child) will not have to testify and yet the offender will be punished accordingly. Trauma for children who must testify is a real concern and it is best if such testimony can be avoided.

It is best to call the police first even in the difficult situation of family incest. Incest is usually disclosed to authorities by someone other than the parent, often another relative, friend, or teacher. No parent wants to believe the worst about a husband/wife they have trusted. It is not unusual, for example, for a wife to side with the husband against their daughters until the father confessed guilt or was found guilty. Such situations are very troubling and for that reason, we must look to police the proper professionals to separate fact from fiction, guilt from innocence.Child sex offenders rarely seek therapy on their own. The only way to assure that they receive it and complete it is to have court-ordered and -monitored therapy.

In accordance with Texas Law, any person who has cause to believe that someone currently a minor may have been or is being abused in any manner, physical or sexual, must report his or her suspicions to the Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Services, within 48 hours of suspecting the abuse or neglect. Protective Services maintains a 24-hour child abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400.  Calling the police or sheriff also fulfills this requirement.