As a former Girl Scout leader, I encountered cases of abuse at least two times.  Not sexual abuse that I was aware of, but terrible situations for the girls.  One was a case of neglect.  The girl was dumped at meetings wearing dirty clothes, always hungry, and other issues.  The other girl’s case was more complicated. Her mom was a drug addict, but she had a safety net in place. However, when she confided about the physical abuse (slapping, pushing) and the verbal abuse (screaming, threatening), I knew it was time to take action.

Both cases were reported to the proper authorities because state law MANDATED we report concerns.  Fortunately, the first case was resolved without problems and the child remained at home, safe and cared for.  I don’t know how the second case was resolved because the mother confronted me (even though reports are supposed to be “confidential”) and disappeared from my life.

Physical abuse, mental abuse, verbal abuse, abuse by neglect, and abuse by placing children in bad and unacceptable situations – all are devastating to a child.  And then add sexual abuse to the mix and the lives that are altered in unimaginable ways grow disproportionately.

There are no excuses for this abuse.  There are no excuses for NOT REPORTING this abuse (or any other).  As adults, we MUST do what is often difficult and terrifying. But remember – your own difficulties and terror PALE in comparison to what an abused child goes through.

From Fox News, an opinion about what to do to stop sexual (and other) abuse,

If a child tells you he or she is being abused, don’t panic, don’t act shocked. Make sure the child feels supported and protected. Say, “You did the right thing in telling me.”

Believe the child. Even if the offender is “good old Uncle Charlie,” tell the child, “I believe you.” It takes a courage for kids to speak up because they fear they won’t be believed. Kids need to know you’re on their side, and they almost never imagine sex acts unless they’ve experienced them.

Tell the child that he or she is not bad. Say, “He knew better; you didn’t know. We’ll make sure he can’t touch you again.”

Yes, Yes, and YES. Click through to read the rest of the article. It is dead on.