It is important to remain calm. Children may interpret anger at the perpetrator as anger against them.

Let the child tell you what happened in his or her own words. Reassure your child that the abuse was not his or her fault and that telling you was the right thing to do.

Medical attention is recommended even if you see no signs of injury.

Confronting the abuser may be unwise, even dangerous, but if confrontation is unavoidable, do it only when the child is not present.

Report the incident to your county child welfare agency or to the police. In Pennsylvania, U.S.A., you can also report to CHILDLINE, the Pennsylvania state-wide child abuse hotline at 1-800-932-0313. Reports may be made anonymously.

Child sexual abuse can be highly traumatic, and, while not all children suffer long term effects, serious repercussions are not unusual. It may be helpful for you and the child to speak with a counselor trained in addressing child sexual abuse.