Do you feel if a child states to a therapist that they are being abused that a childs word should be enough..?

Answer 1

It all depends on the circumstances, the age of the child, etc. Your question is far too loaded to have a simple answer.

Answer 2

And a child has the correct notion on "being abused" ? what if there is a line bwteen fantasy and reality? What if was a dream and converted to be real? There are many factors, is the child word against another person word.
Even so, in therapy there shouldnt be an investigation because the therapist has to keep confidence and secret all whats going on, is private should be confidential.
If the therapist understands this and gets more data, input and the therapist thinks there is a risk for the client or another person, for instance that this kid will get in trouble a lot of people becaue his word is worth it, then the therapist should find a way to tell the parents since this kid is underage, there is a right to keep confidentialty but also a right to protect society and protect this kid in case there is a real risk.

Depending on the age, usually a kid doesnt give too much importantce or relevance on what could mean an abuse, thats why many abused kids come to the ligght when they are parents and they realize all the harm was done to them. Or maybe all the harm they did when they did lie and promoted a trouble with some adult....this has consequences either if is true or not is a very serious matter.

Most of the time a kid that has been abused -and we have to define the type of abuse-, acts different, his or her behavior is not normal, and someone who knows about theory of child development will realize that, so abuse is not always something the kid may express in words but rather in actions he or she cant control at that time.

Answer 3

This is a difficult situation. It depends on the age of the child. But even still, children can come up with all sorts of fantasies! I describe childhood as a very long acid trip. A child's mind is not always trustworthy, even to the child.

It also depends on the way the child is questioned, how the child describes the abuse and many other issues.

With that said, it is important to at least investigate if a child describes or shows any signs of abuse.

Answer 4

No, my brother did this to my father some time ago. Fortunately, there were witnesses that overheard him telling some of his friends that he only made the claim because he didn't get something he wanted.

He got the idea from a movie he watched, and if his word would have been enough, without witnesses to the contrary my father would be in prison.

Granted, the accusation- even if it proves to be without merit- definitely deserves an investigation. But the child's word alone? Absolutely not.

I also find it abhorrent that anyone would condemn another person based solely on the accusation- what happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Answer 5

Yes, at least to open a criminal investigation. It should also be enough to remove the child, at least temporarily, from the home if they are being abused by a family member or other member of the household. It should not be enough to convict. An investigation is needed.

Answer 6

NO! any child who is pi**ed with their parents could use this to destroy their parent's life.

Just as happens now with rape, malicious accusation will occur. The accused stand to lose their jobs, their friends, their liberty, their reputation - all BEFORE a shred of evidence has been put forward.

By all means investigate it, but do so discreetly. No charges should be laid, no arrests made, and nothing made public until evidence that can withstand scrutiny is brought forward.

Answer 7

Yes. Enough to at least take the child out of the situation until the whole thing has been resolved.

Answer 8

No. Not at all.

And enough for what? A prosecution?

A childs word is not EVIDENCE of anything.

Answer 9

have the child explain the abuse some children will call not getting candy for supper abusive.

Answer 10

Excuse me, but not getting candy for supper IS abusive.