Episode 13- Loving Well: First Responders Guide for Child Abuse Disclosures & Initial Inner Healing Interventions

Introduction:Welcome Beloved! This week, we continue our "Let Our Children Go" series by Rebecca Greenwood. We’ll be diving into chapters 7 & 8, focusing on how to love and support those affected by child abuse. Whether you are a parent, a minister, or a friend, this episode will equip you with essential knowledge on responding to disclosures of abuse and supporting survivors on their healing journey.

Topics Covered:

• What to do after an initial abuse disclosure and legal responsibilities.

• The stages children go through when disclosing abuse and how to respond.

• Essential resources for supporting survivors through the healing journey.

• How to create a safe space for inner healing and spiritual restoration.

Understanding the Disclosure Process:

• Abuse disclosures are rarely a one-time event; they unfold over time.

• Many children delay disclosure for weeks, months, or even years due to fear and psychological manipulation.

• Research shows that 60% of abused children do not tell anyone until adulthood or never disclose at all.

Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome:

1. Secrecy: Grooming techniques used by abusers keep the child silent.

2. Helplessness: The child may not understand the abuse is wrong or believe they have power to stop it.

3. Entrapment & Accommodation: The child adapts to the abuse to maintain family harmony or avoid harm.

4. Delayed Disclosure: Fear of disbelief or consequences prevents immediate disclosure.

5. Retraction or Recantation: When facing family distress or disbelief, children may withdraw their statements.

Responding to a Child’s Disclosure:

• Believe and affirm the child’s experience.

• Report immediately to Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS).

• Avoid questioning the child; only trained forensic interviewers should conduct interviews.

• Do not confront the abuser; allow legal authorities to handle the case.

• Ensure the child receives counseling and a forensic interview through a Children’s Advocacy Center.

• Provide a stable, safe environment for the child to heal.

Spiritual Response to Abuse:

• Survivors must process emotions such as anger, denial, and fear before true healing begins.

• Encouraging open lament and emotional expression prevents inner wounds from festering.

• Teaching children thatGod is their protector and healer fosters restoration.

• Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God, but itdoes not mean reconciliation with an unrepentant abuser.

Key Scriptures for Healing:

• Isaiah 43:1 – God has redeemed you and calls you by name.

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 – God is the Father of compassion and comfort.

• Psalm 139:23-24 – God can reveal and heal anxious thoughts.

How to Support Abuse Survivors – Do’s & Don’ts

• Do listen with empathy; don’t minimize their experience. (Psalm 31:10)

• Do be patient; don’t push for full disclosure. (1 Peter 2:17)

• Do offer spiritual encouragement; don’t assume they are ready. (Galatians 5:25)

• Do help them find resources; don’t leave them to navigate alone. (Proverbs 15:22)

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