Children's Counseling Program

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Womansplace Crisis Center

Children's Counseling Program
Childhood Sexual Abuse
For children up to age 12 who have been sexually abused

Q&A

What is Childhood Sexual Abuse?
It may not always be what we think. Childhood sexual abuse takes many forms. Inappropriate sexual discussions, commenting on a child's body in a sexual way, exposing or touching private body parts, or persuading a child to watch or participate in sexual behavior are all examples of sexual abuse.

Childhood sexual abuse is more common than we think and can have devastating emotional consequences. In fact, young children and teenagers are more frequently victims of rape and sexual assault than adults. This is because they tend to be more vulnerable and easily intimidated.

Contrary to popular belief, abusers are often trusted family members and friends, not strangers.

How can I help?
If you think a child has been sexually abused, it is most important to listen with an open mind and believe what she or he tells you. Let them speak in their own words; don't "put words in their mouths." Also

Stay calm; try not to act upset or angry. Don't blame them for what happened. This may cause them to feel worse and to avoid you.

If a child has just been sexually assaulted, contact their doctor and/or take them to a hospital emergency room that knows how to deal specifically with child victims of sexual assault.

If you suspect sexual abuse, you can contact Womansplace or another local rape crisis center and/or contact the child's doctor.

Don't make promises you can't keep like "I won't let this ever happen to you again."

If you have questions, please call.

Womansplace Crisis Center Services

Womansplace provides support, counseling and assistance for women and their children who have experienced rape, sexual assault and/or family violence.

CONFIDENTIALITY - All services are strictly confidential

HOTLINES -Sexual Assault: call 508-588-8255 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for support and assistance.

COUNSELING - Individual and group counseling are available to survivors, friends, family and companions.

CRISIS INTERVENTION - Staff will meet with survivors and family or friends at the hospital or police station to provide support and information.

EMERGENCY SHELTER - We also provide emergency shelter to keep families safe from harm. Call 508-588-2041.

All Staff Are Trained to Help Your Family

Womansplace Crisis Center's staff and volunteers are trained to help women and their children cope with the effects of rape, sexual assault and family violence. We are experienced working with children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. Counselors represent different ages, sexual orientations, cultures and languages including Spanish Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole.

Our children's program employs a licensed clinical therapist with 10 years of experience working with traumatized children and their families.

All services are free and confidential.

Children's Services are partially funded by grants from VOCA, NYNEX and the Old Colony United Way