We know that it can be difficult for a child to talk about abuse for many different reasons. It is important that we remember this and that we do not make the disclosure any more difficult than it already is.

We will think later about how to respond if a child discloses, but for now, it is important to recognise that there are many barriers to a child disclosing.

What Children have said :

• Commitment to the family relationships and fear of disrupting them
• Not recognising that what is happening is abuse
• Blaming themselves for the abuse
• Normalising the abuse (“this happens to all my friends” or “doesn’t everybody…”)
• Feelings of shame or embarrassment (The child is not to blame, they are a victim and it is not their fault, however, often, children do feel ashamed and embarrassed talking about what has happened.)
• Fear that they will not be believed
• Lack of trust in professionals such as teachers, healthcare providers and/or the police
• Fear of the perpetrator
• Fear of disclosure or of the consequences of disclosure
• Loss of control over what might happen next
• Despondency or a belief that nothing could be done about the abuse
• Negative prior experience of trying to disclose