Child Abuse....what can I do to help out a young person who has just told me about the horrific experience of?

Question

.....having gone through this terrible ordeal?

I teach in a university and this young lady has decided to express what has happened to her after 16yrs of complete silence. I did my best to listen to her sincerely, let her speak without me interrupting. I emphasized over and over that it wasn't her fault. And I referred her to a local counseling service that deals with surviors of this experience. Anything else I can do? I feel like I'm missing something. I'm very proud of this person for having the strength to fight back and regain her life.

Answer 1

Doesn't sound like you missed much to me. There are statutes of limitations that are different with every crime, and if the limitation has not yet passed maybe this young person can prosecute the offender. By doing so however, this person would have to relive the experience with investigators and in a court of law so some choose NOT to do so. It is an option worthy of further exploration however. The only other advice I can offer is to continue to be there for this person. Keep an eye on them, watch for slipping grades and appearance. Sometimes when the "horrific experience" is verbally relived one can slip into depression and that would be my biggest concern at this point. It happens, so keep it in the back of your mind. Continue to support this person with their self discovery and remind them that being a survivor means they are now in the situation to help others with similar experiences. I went through something similar and found the most comfort and personal satisfaction once I got my Masters degree and became a professional therapist. You sond like an amazing person and very caring professor...this person is very lucky to have you in their academic life. The professor I confided in is no longer with us and I never had a chance to tell him or show him (via my degree) how much he really helped me, so please accept my gratitude on this person's behalf. I only wish and pray that more individuals in your position were as attentive and caring. God bless you!

Answer 2

i will see why your mum and dad may be a touch upset approximately you breaking your telephone, yet your grandmother making you bow???????? it rather is rather ridiculous. In a difficulty the place you have a extra general family, than i might inform you to purely ruin the information to them, yet this would not probable look as though that. I propose that the subsequent time you pass to the mall or someplace the place there's a Verizon, T-cellular save, or in spite of your provider telephone is, you are able to ask them if there is something you're able to do. If no longer, you ought to purchase a clean telephone i assume, or in basic terms use your previous one because of the fact it remains working. This certainly isn't a foul incident, and that i think of you have become a touch too worked up with it.

Answer 3

Please speak with the counseling services at your university; it may well be that you are required to report what you know to the authorities.

Most states have laws that require reporting such cases within a certain timeframe. Most school systems are required to do so, as are physicians; it may be required for university personnel as well.

What you have done so far is commendable, and it's obvious that you recognize your limitations in helping her. Now, it is time for others to take on this task; just continue to be there if she needs your help.

Thank you for caring so much about her; it speaks well of you, and of her courage in sharing this with you.

Answer 4

i need more ??? Child Abuse... for expamle I have is that My mom slap me in the face so hard I have mark on my face to go to school people though that my girlfriend slap me and I cried so hard said no my mother. they were shocked... My mother hated me so bad she beat the crap out me because I look like my dad not her own son... she even threat me to put me foster home if I ever told anyone, She even beat me up with belt, wood or metal spoon, kicking me so hard most broken my ribs and slap me all over... and she does that when No one around and I tell my sister she dind't believe me and I told anyone my family no one believe me it between her and my word.

So It been hell for me being living with her and she very A.A. and she just ahhhh I want to do that to her show her how she feel but I can't because I am bigger than her.

Guess what She watn me back in the family I told her leave me alone and My wif eand kids alone.... I was raped at Foster home when I couldn't ask for help... I was 9 years old and now I am 35 years old I told my other and she told me that it was my fault.. so you see you saing things but I need to know what who what did they do to her??? so pls I hope you can email me [e-mail] and let me know and I can understand better and You putting the question very basic on the top... not deep enough.... If you don't wnat to share that because she trusted you then you should be doing this.

Answer 5

What you did was very impressive. She needs to see a therapist and do one on one with them. She needs to talk about it and the more she does the more it will feel like it wasn't her fault. Most victims don't talk about it because they feel like they did something wrong. She needs to talk about it with a professional and she needs to work though it. Maybe you could do some research to help her find a therapist in your area that works with victims. Most of the time its just hard for them to make that first step so maybe if you help her with that that would be great. You are a great person and its wonderful that you care so much..,

Answer 6

You have done all that you need to do, you can still be her friend, but allow her to deal with this with the professionals, because this is a vulnerable time for her, and she could become emotionally dependant on you.

Again you did the right thing. Good job.

Answer 7

I think that you really should report it to the police. Other than that it sounds like you did a very good job. Keep letting her know that you are there when she needs to talk!

Answer 8

What you should do is help her the best you can without playing favorites in class. She just told you something that she hasn't told anyone else. She doesn't want someone to draw attention to her problem.

Answer 9

dont take it to the ploice with out her knowing. but I do think that as her teacher and her firend this needs to be reported. mabie you can be the hand that holds and helps, if it goes to court make sure you go with her. if she has to face the abuser (and you know where/when it is going to happen the be with her. my dad is also a college teacher, and has helped students in this way beore.

Answer 10

You did everything you possibly could. Just continue to be there for her, as I know you will.

All I can add is, thank goodness for people like you in the world.