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A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

When a Child Discloses Sexual Abuse

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When Your Child Discloses

Your child has told you. Now what?
A Note to the Parent Reading This
The First 48 Hours
How to Respond to a Disclosure
Do I Really Need to Report This?
When an Adult Child Discloses
When the Person Who Caused Harm is a Family Member
When Another Child or Teen Caused Harm

Navigating Systems

Understanding police, child protection, legal processes and your child's rights.
Working with Police
Working with the Children's Aid Society
Understanding Canada's Legal Process
What to Expect from the Criminal Justice System
When Justice Doesn't Come
When the Person Who Caused Harm is a Family Member
When Your Child Needs Communication or Accessibility Accomodations

Understanding Trauma

Making sense of what you and your child may be experiencing.
Common Reactions to Trauma
How Children Cope With Trauma
Why Children Cope in Different Ways
How a Child's Disclosure Can Affect Parents
Coping Strategies that Support Healing

Supporting Your Child's Healing

Moving forward after disclosure.
Therapeutic and Psychological Support
Supporting Your Child At Different Ages
Parenting After Disclosure
What Comes Next?

Understanding Abuse

Clear information about abuse, consent, risk and prevention.
Recognizing Child Sexual Abuse
Preventing Future Abuse
Age of Consent: What Every Parent Should Know
Understanding Online Risks
Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation

Resources

Support Directory
Recommeded Books
Important Podcasts
Trusted Websites

References

Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
References

Final Thoughts

Words from Parents and Survivors: We Have Walked This Path
A Closing Note
With Gratitude

This was built as a living document.

If you have a resource you would like to share, please contact us at:  info@theironwoodproject.ca
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