The Ironwood Project
The resource project

Working with Police

If you believe a criminal offence may have occurred, contact your local police service. If a child is currently at risk of harm, you also have a legal duty to report your concerns to your local Children's Aid Society.

You Are Not Alone. Learning that your child may have experienced sexual abuse can be one of the most overwhelming moments in a parent's life. It is normal to feel frightened, angry, confused, or unsure of what to do next.

The good news is that you do not have to navigate this alone. In Halton Region, police, Children's Aid Society (CAS), medical professionals, victim services, and trauma therapists work together to help protect children and support families.

Although every family's experience is unique, understanding what to expect can help reduce some of the uncertainty.


Your First Priority: Safety

Before making any phone calls, ask yourself one question: 


Is my child safe right now?

If your child is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, call 911 immediately.

If the person who harmed your child has access to them, take steps to ensure your child is somewhere safe.


Be sure to secure any physical evidence – clothing, devices, written notes – without examining them, and hand them directly to law enforcement.


What to Expect from the Police

Police investigate whether a criminal offence may have occurred.

Their responsibilities may include:

  • interviewing witnesses

  • collecting evidence

  • obtaining digital evidence

  • reviewing medical information

  • executing search warrants when appropriate

  • interviewing the alleged offender

  • consulting with Crown Attorneys

  • deciding whether criminal charges should be laid


Not every investigation results in criminal charges.

This does not mean your child was not believed.

Criminal investigations require evidence that meets a very high legal standard.


Common Questions Regarding Reporting to the Police
What Happens When I Call?

The person answering the phone will ask questions to determine how urgent the situation is.

You may be asked:

  • Your child's name and age

  • Your contact information

  • What your child disclosed

  • When the abuse happened (if known)

  • Whether the child is currently safe

  • Whether the alleged offender still has access to the child

  • Whther medical care is needed


It is okay if you do not know all of the answers. Simply tell them what you know.


What Should I Tell Them?

Share only factual information. See more information about this in the “Dealing with the Children’s Aid Society”. 


Will My Child Be Interviewed?

Possibly. If police determine an interview is needed, it will usually be conducted by a specially trained forensic interviewer.


These interviews are designed to:

  • reduce stress for children

  • obtain accurate information

  • avoid repeated interviews

  • provide evidence that may be used during an investigation


Parents are usually not present during the interview. Although this can feel difficult, it helps ensure children speak freely and without influence.


What Is a Forensic Interview?

A forensic interview is a structured conversation designed specifically for children.

The interviewer uses developmentally appropriate language and allows the child to describe events in their own words.


The interview is often video recorded so that children do not have to repeat their story multiple times.

Children are never expected to know legal terminology or remember every detail.


It is okay for a child to say:

"I don't know."

"I don't remember."

"I don't understand."


Will My Child Need a Medical Examination?

The answer is- sometimes.

A medical examination may be recommended if:

  • the abuse happened recently,

  • your child has pain or injuries,

  • there are concerns about sexually transmitted infections,

  • pregnancy is possible,

  • forensic evidence may still be available.


Many children who disclose abuse do not require an emergency examination.

The medical team will explain why an examination is or is not recommended.


What If My Child Changes Their Story?

Children who have experienced trauma sometimes remember events gradually.

They may disclose information over days, weeks, months, or even years. Changes in the amount of detail shared do not automatically mean a child is lying. Trauma can affect memory, emotions, and the ability to describe difficult experiences. Investigators and trauma professionals understand this.


What Happens Next?

Every investigation is different, but many families experience a process similar to this:

  1. Disclosure

  2. The child is made safe.

  3. Police and/or Children's Aid Society are contacted.

  4. Initial assessment.

  5. Forensic interview (if needed).

  6. Medical care (if appropriate).

  7. Victim Services becomes involved.

  8. Counselling begins.

  9. Investigation continues.

  10. Charges may or may not be laid.

  11. Court process (if applicable).

  12. Long-term healing and recovery.


Healing does not begin when the investigation ends. For many families, healing begins the moment a child is believed, protected, and supported.


Will my child have to testify?

Some children do, but many cases are resolved without a child testifying in court. If testimony is required, supports are available to help children prepare.


Should I confront the person who harmed my child?

It is generally best not to confront the alleged offender before speaking with police. Confrontation can affect an investigation, place you or your child at risk, or give the person an opportunity to destroy evidence or influence witnesses.


What if the abuse happened years ago?

You can still report it. Many sexual offences involving children can be reported regardless of how much time has passed. If you're unsure, speak with your local police service.


Questions to Ask Police

  • What happens next?

  • Will my child need a forensic interview?

  • Who will contact us?

  • Will charges be laid immediately?

  • How long will the investigation take?

  • Is there a Victim Services worker assigned?

  • Are there bail conditions?

  • What should I tell my child?

  • Should I preserve any evidence?

  • Who do I contact if I have additional information?



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