If you suspect or are aware of a child under your care becoming the victim of molestation then you must take all necessary steps to protect the child. This may include reporting the (alleged) offenders to the authorities and taking steps to remove the child from a situation that may lead to the molestation occurring again. Never tell the child you are able to make everything alright for the simple fact that you can’t. Build up the child’s trust so they know that they can still trust people and let the child express any concerns they have about the experience.

Authorities you can report such incidents to include the police, child protective services and in the event that the child is not your own and they are innocent; the parents. The parents will be able to take all of the necessary steps required to ensure that the child remains away from the source of the abuse. If it is your child who has been molested ensure you do not let the offender anywhere near the child again. Report the offender to the police in order to avoid further abuse inflicted on other children. If you can remain anonymous throughout this process it is advisable.

If your child is the victim of molestation it is a good idea to put the child through a psychological evaluation to ensure that there is no long term damage done to the child’s ability to function in society. Find a counselling service that specialises in working with children to allow the child to talk about the experiences so they can learn to cope with the trauma they have experienced. Under no circumstances assume that the child does not need such a service in the event they are molested. Counsellors can give the child the opportunity to conquer any social anxiety or phobias that may have arisen from their experience.