The Ironwood Project
the resource project

References

The Resource Project was developed using guidance and best practices from the organizations listed below. Some recommendations have been adapted for clarity and readability. 

The following organizations and publications were referenced in the preparation of this information.

A Note to the Parent Reading This

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After a Disclosure.https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ). Childhood Sexual Abuse and Disclosure.https://www.inspq.qc.ca

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma.https://www.nctsn.org

  • Russell, D. H., et al. The Risk and Protective Factors, Response to Disclosure, and Support Needs Associated with Child Sexual Abuse.Child Abuse & Neglect. (2025)

The First 48 Hours

How to Respond to a Disclosure


When An Adult Child Discloses


When the Person Who Caused Harm is a Family Member

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After Abuse.https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • Halton Children's Aid Society. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.https://haltoncas.ca

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma.https://www.nctsn.org

  • World Health Organization. Responding to Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Abused.https://www.who.int

  • Rosenthal, S., Feiring, C., & Taska, L. (2003). Emotional Support and Adjustment Over a Year's Time Following Sexual Abuse Discovery.Child Abuse & Neglect.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After a Disclosure.https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Canadian Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) Network. Supporting Children and Families Through the Investigation Process.https://www.cyac-ccej.ca

  • Canadian Paediatric Society. The Medical Evaluation of Pre-pubertal Children with Suspected Sexual Abuse.https://cps.ca

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • Government of Canada – Department of Justice. Victims of Crime.https://www.justice.gc.ca

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Resources for Parents and Caregivers Following


Working With Police

Working with Children's Aid Society


Understanding Canada's Legal Process

What to Expect in the Criminal Justice System

  • Alaggia, R. (2004). Many Ways of Telling: Expanding Conceptualizations of Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure. Child Abuse & Neglect, 28(11), 1213–1227.

  • Alaggia, R., Collin-Vézina, D., & Lateef, R. (2019). Facilitators and Barriers to Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Disclosures: A Research Update (2000–2016). Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 20(2), 260–283.

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. (2023). Child Sexual Abuse Resources.https://protectchildren.ca

  • Department of Justice Canada. (2015). Child Victims and Witnesses: Testimonial Aids and Special Provisions.https://www.justice.gc.ca

  • Department of Justice Canada. (2024). Victims of Crime.https://www.justice.gc.ca

  • Government of Ontario, Ministry of the Attorney General. (2024). Crown Prosecution Manual – Sexual Offences and Offences Against Children.https://www.ontario.ca/page/crown-prosecution-manual

  • Statistics Canada. (2024). Criminal court outcomes in cases of sexual assault, 2015 to 2019 (Juristat). Catalogue no. 85-002-X.

  • Statistics Canada. (2025). General Social Survey on Canadians' Safety (Victimization). Catalogue no. 85-002-X.

  • Statistics Canada. (2024). Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2023. Catalogue no. 85-002-X.

Common Trauma Responses

Understanding Trauma Responses

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After Abuse.https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Canadian Paediatric Society. The Medical Evaluation of Pre-pubertal Children with Suspected Sexual Abuse.https://cps.ca

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Understanding Child Traumatic Stress and Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.nctsn.org

  • Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (3rd ed.). Basic Books.

  • van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.

  • World Health Organization. Responding to Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Abused: WHO Clinical Guidelines.https://www.who.int

Why Children Cope the Way They Do

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After Abuse.https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Understanding Child Traumatic Stress and Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.nctsn.org

  • Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (3rd ed.). Basic Books.

  • Shonkoff, J. P., Garner, A. S., et al. The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress.Pediatrics, 129(1), e232–e246. (2012)

Understanding Your Own Trauma

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After Abuse.https://boostforkids.org

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ). Childhood Sexual Abuse and Disclosure.https://www.inspq.qc.ca

  • McGillivray, C., et al. (2026). Secondary Traumatic Stress in Non-Offending Parents Following Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure. Bond University.

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Resources for Parents and Caregivers Following Trauma.https://www.nctsn.org

  • Willcott-Benoit, C., & Cummings, G. G. (2024). Vicarious Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Caregivers: A Scoping Review.

  • World Health Organization. Responding to Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Abused.https://www.who.int

Helpful and Unhelpful Coping Strategies

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After Abuse.https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Understanding Child Traumatic Stress and Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.nctsn.org

  • Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (3rd ed.). Basic Books.

  • World Health Organization. Responding to Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Abused.https://www.who.int

Therapeutic and Psychological Pathways

  • American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD.https://www.apa.org

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Mental Health and Family Support Services.https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) Network. National Guidelines for Child and Youth Advocacy Centres in Canada.https://www.cyac-ccej.ca

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Resources for Parents and Caregivers.https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

  • Deblinger, E., Mannarino, A. P., Cohen, J. A., & Steer, R. A. (2006). A Follow-up Study of a Multisite, Randomized, Controlled Trial for Children With Sexual Abuse–Related PTSD Symptoms.Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

  • EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). EMDR Therapy.https://www.emdria.org

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).https://www.nctsn.org

  • Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (3rd ed.). Basic Books.

  • World Health Organization. Responding to Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Abused.https://www.who.int

Supporting Your Child at Different Ages

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. (n.d.). Resources for Parents and Caregivers.
    https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. (n.d.). Resources for Families Following Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure. https://boostforkids.org

  • Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS). (n.d.). Supporting Children and Youth.
    https://www.oacas.org

  • Government of Ontario. (n.d.). Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.
    https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-child-abuse-and-neglect

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse. https://www.nctsn.org

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Understanding Child Traumatic Stress.
    https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2018). Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma.
    https://www.childwelfare.gov

  • Canadian Paediatric Society. (2020). The Medical Evaluation of Pre-Pubertal Children with Suspected Sexual Abuse. https://cps.ca

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.
    https://store.samhsa.gov/product/SAMHSA-s-Concept-of-Trauma-and-Guidance-for-a-Trauma-Informed-Approach/SMA14-4884

  • Afifi, T. O., MacMillan, H. L., Boyle, M., Taillieu, T., Cheung, K., & Sareen, J. (2014). Child abuse and mental disorders in Canada. Canadian Medical Association Journal.

  • https://www.cmaj.ca

  • Hébert, M., Blais, M., & Lavoie, F. (2024). Childhood Sexual Abuse and Delayed Disclosure: A Population-Based Study of Youth in Quebec. Université du Québec à Montréal.

  • Kendall-Tackett, K. A., Williams, L. M., & Finkelhor, D. (1993). Impact of Sexual Abuse on Children: A Review and Synthesis of Recent Empirical Studies. Psychological Bulletin.

  • Maniglio, R. (2009). The Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Health: A Systematic Review of Reviews. Clinical Psychology Review.

Parenting Together After Disclosure

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. (n.d.). Resources for Parents and Caregivers.
    https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. (n.d.). Resources for Families Following Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure. https://boostforkids.org

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse. https://www.nctsn.org

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Understanding Child Traumatic Stress.

  • https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2018). Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma.

  • https://www.childwelfare.gov

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.

  • https://store.samhsa.gov/product/SAMHSA-s-Concept-of-Trauma-and-Guidance-for-a-Trauma-Informed-Approach/SMA14-4884

  • Canadian Paediatric Society. (2020). The Medical Evaluation of Pre-Pubertal Children with Suspected Sexual Abuse. https://cps.ca

  • Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS). (n.d.). Supporting Children, Youth and Families. https://www.oacas.org 

  • Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2017). Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

  • Deblinger, E., Mannarino, A. P., Cohen, J. A., Runyon, M. K., & Heflin, A. H. (2015). Child Sexual Abuse: A Primer for Treating Children, Adolescents, and Their Nonoffending Parents. Oxford University Press.

  • Afifi, T. O., MacMillan, H. L., Boyle, M., Taillieu, T., Cheung, K., & Sareen, J. (2014). Child abuse and mental disorders in Canada.Canadian Medical Association Journal.

  • https://www.cmaj.ca

  • Gewirtz, A. H., Forgatch, M. S., & Wieling, E. (2008). Parenting Practices as Potential Mechanisms for Child Adjustment Following Trauma.Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.

  • Masten, A. S. (2014). Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development. Guilford Press.

Moving Forward Together

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. (n.d.). Resources for Families Following Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure.
    https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. (n.d.). Resources for Parents and Caregivers.
    https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Canadian Paediatric Society. (2020). The Medical Evaluation of Pre-Pubertal Children with Suspected Sexual Abuse.
    https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/the-medical-evaluation-of-pre-pubertal-children-with-suspected-sexual-abuse

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2018). Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma.
    https://www.childwelfare.gov

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse.
    https://www.nctsn.org

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Understanding Child Traumatic Stress.
    https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma

  • Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS). (n.d.). Supporting Children, Youth and Families.
    https://www.oacas.org

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.
    https://store.samhsa.gov/product/SAMHSA-s-Concept-of-Trauma-and-Guidance-for-a-Trauma-Informed-Approach/SMA14-4884

  • Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2017). Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

  • Deblinger, E., Mannarino, A. P., Cohen, J. A., Runyon, M. K., & Heflin, A. H. (2015). Child Sexual Abuse: A Primer for Treating Children, Adolescents, and Their Nonoffending Parents. Oxford University Press.

  • Hiller, R. M., Meiser-Stedman, R., Fearon, P., Lobo, S., McKinnon, A., Fraser, A., & Halligan, S. L. (2018). Research Review: Changes in the prevalence and symptom severity of child post-traumatic stress disorder in the year following trauma—a meta-analytic study and the role of parental support.Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

  • Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Murray, L. A. (2011). Trauma-Focused CBT for Youth Who Experience Ongoing Traumas.Child Abuse & Neglect.

  • Afifi, T. O., MacMillan, H. L., Boyle, M., Taillieu, T., Cheung, K., & Sareen, J. (2014). Child abuse and mental disorders in Canada.Canadian Medical Association Journal.
    https://www.cmaj.ca

Recognizing Child Sexual Abuse

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. (n.d.). Resources for Families Following Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure.
    https://boostforkids.org

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. (n.d.). Resources for Parents and Caregivers.
    https://www.protectchildren.ca

  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection. (n.d.). Commit to Kids.
    https://protectchildren.ca/en/get-involved/online-training/commit-to-kids/

  • Cybertip.ca. (n.d.). Canada's National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.
    https://www.cybertip.ca

  • Canadian Paediatric Society. (2020). The Medical Evaluation of Pre-Pubertal Children with Suspected Sexual Abuse.
    https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/the-medical-evaluation-of-pre-pubertal-children-with-suspected-sexual-abuse

  • Government of Ontario. (n.d.). Report Child Abuse and Neglect.
    https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-child-abuse-and-neglect

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse.
    https://www.nctsn.org

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). (n.d.). Understanding Child Traumatic Stress.
    https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms.
    https://www.childwelfare.gov

  • Adams, J. A., Farst, K. J., & Kellogg, N. D. (2018). Interpretation of Medical Findings in Suspected Child Sexual Abuse: An Update for 2018.Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 31(3), 225–231.

  • Herrmann, B., Navratil, F., & Neises, M. (2014). Physical Examination in Child Sexual Abuse: Approaches and Current Evidence.Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 111(41), 692–703.

  • Kendall-Tackett, K. A., Williams, L. M., & Finkelhor, D. (1993). Impact of Sexual Abuse on Children: A Review and Synthesis of Recent Empirical Studies.Psychological Bulletin, 113(1), 164–180.

  • Vrolijk-Bosschaart, T. F., Brilleslijper-Kater, S. N., Benninga, M. A., Lindauer, R. J. L., & Teeuw, A. H. (2018). Recognizing Child Sexual Abuse—What Makes It So Difficult?European Journal of Pediatrics, 177, 1343–1350.

  • Finkelhor, D. (2009). The Prevention of Childhood Sexual Abuse.The Future of Children, 19(2), 169–194.

  • Mathews, B., & Collin-Vézina, D. (2019). Child Sexual Abuse: Toward a Conceptual Model and Definition.Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 20(2), 131–148.

Preventing Future Abuse
Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation
Understanding Modern Online Risks


Additional References and Sources

(n.d.). Phoenix Australia: Home. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.phoenixaustralia.org

(n.d.). The Gatehouse: Support for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://thegatehouse.org

(n.d.). Home – protectchildren.ca. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from http://www.protectchildren.ca

Department of Justice Canada. (2024, June 4).Bill C-63: An Act to enact the Online Harms Act, to amend the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c63.html

Chapman, R. L., Ebzery, K. S., Ronken, C., & Thompson, D. (2025). Factors that influence 

therapy completion in a child sexual abuse counselling service. Children and Youth Services Review, 171, Article 108195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108195

Deblinger, E., Mannarino, A. P., Cohen, J. A., & Steer, R. A. (2006). A Follow-up 

Study of a Multisite, Randomized, Controlled Trial for Children With Sexual Abuse-Related PTSD Symptoms. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 45(12), 1474–1484. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.chi.0000240839.56114.bb

Disclosure of childhood sexual abuse. (2024, September 24). Institut national de santé publique du Québec. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.inspq.qc.ca/en/sexual-violence/disclosure/childhood

From “Child pornography” to “Child sexual abuse and exploitation material:” Why updated terminology in federal laws is a milestone for survivors. (2025, October 10). Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.protectchildren.ca/en/press-and-media/blog/2025/updated-terminology

Gamache, L., Dubé, L., & Belleville, G. (2025). A Scoping Review of Preferences of Men Who Experienced Sexual Assault: Implications for Adaptation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. American journal of men's health, 19(1), 15579883241260512. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883241260512

McGillivray, C., Brotto, G., Stapleton, P. B., Patching, A., Ronken, C., & Le Sech, K. 

(2026). The Effect of Posttraumatic Cognitions on PTSD in Nonoffending Parents of Child Sexual Abuse: The Aggravating Role of Negative Self-Compassion and Emotive Regulation. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 18(4), 763-772. Article PMID: 41843447. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0002155

McPherson, L., Gatwiri, K., Canosa, A., Rotumah, D., Modderman, C., Chubb, J., & 

Graham, A. (2025). How Children and Young People Disclose That They Have Been Sexually Abused: Perspectives From Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. Health & Social Care in the Community, 2025(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/hsc/8831616

National Plan to reduce violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. (2022, December 15). Department of Communities and Justice. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/supporting-family-domestic-sexual-violence-services/domestic-family-sexual-violence-plans-and-strategies/national-plan-to-reduce-violence-against-women-and-children-2022.html

Phoenix Australia. (2021, December). Australian PTSD Guidelines. Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/australian-guidelines-for-ptsd/

Protecting Victims Act: Legislation to protect victims and keep kids safe from predators. (2026, 07 03). Department of Justice Canada. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/c16/index.html

When the Internet Comes Home: A Systems Approach to Supporting Families Impacted by Digital Exploitation. (2025, July 30). ABPP. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://abpp.org/newsletter-post/when-the-internet-comes-home-a-systems-approach-to-supporting-families-impacted-by-digital-exploitation/

Willcott-Benoit, W., & Cummings, J. A. (2024). Vicarious Growth, Traumatization, and Event 

Centrality in Loved Ones Indirectly Exposed to Interpersonal Trauma: A Scoping Review. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 25(5), 3643–3661. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380241255736