Keeping Kids Safe

Protecting Your Child From Sexual Abuse

Law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and medical providers will take your report seriously.

You and your child will likely meet them at the Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center - a neutral, child-friendly place to further discuss allegations.

An advocate will provide support services to you and your child and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Remember… You Are Not Alone. Counseling and other services are available at Saratoga Center for the Family, an agency that provides support to families who have been affected by abuse.

Protecting Your Child From Abuse

• BE AWARE of your child's whereabouts and activities; know who your child is with at all times
• SET TIME ASIDE each day to talk with your child, encouraging topics of concern.
• DEMONSTRATE your ability to listen to any subject matter, without showing judgment.
• HEAR what your child is saying. Don't assume; ask for clarification. Disclosures are not always clearly stated.
• RESPECT your child's comfort level with physical contact and affection and insist that others do the same.
• EDUCATE your child about "private parts"; Identify adults who can help with private parts of the body.
• EMPOWER your child say "NO" to anyone who touches them in a hurting or confusing way.
• PLAY "what if" games to practice what to do in a potential abuse situation.
• ENCOURAGE your child to tell you if they are hurt or confused by a person's touch, words, or actions.
• BELIEVE your child when he/she reports being approached or abuse.
  

• Recurrent sleep disturbance or nightmares.
  
• Regression to infantile behavior, i.e., bedwetting, thumb sucking, excessive crying.
  
• Unexplained physical injuries, bruises, bleeding, burns to any part of the body.
• Fear of specific persons/places/touches.
• Somatic complaints without apparent illness, i.e, stomach ache, queasiness, headaches.
  
• Withdrawal, fearfulness, running away.
  
• Recent school problems.
• Unusual interest in sexual matters; sexual behavior or knowledge clearly beyond age.
  
• Genital/rectal discomfort, swelling, bleeding, discharge, infection, venereal disease.

What to Do If a Child Discloses Abuse Or You Suspect Abuse

• Pay close attention, seek medical care if needed, and take appropriate action.
  
• Remain calm
  
• Believe your child
  
• Do not force the child to tell more than they are comfortable revealing.
• Do not show disapproval of the person or situation. Your child may take it personally.
  
• Do not inform the alleged abuser.
  
• Remember: To make a report you do not need proof or to investigate further. That will be done by the professionals.
  
• Report the suspected abuse to:

Child Abuse Hotline
General Public 1-800-342-3720
Mandated Reporters 1-800-635-1522

Law Enforcement
NYS Police 583-7000 or 911
Saratoga County Sheriff 885-6761 or 911
or your local law enforcement agency or go to your local hospital

• Seek medical attention. Go to Saratoga Hospital Emergency Room for treatment/exam (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam - SAFE). An examiner with specialized pediatric training will perform the exam.
  
• Follow through with recommendations from the above agencies.

Remember
To make a report, you do not need proof or to investigate further. That will be done by professionals.
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After a Report of Child Abuse

All child abuse claims will be investigated by Law Enforcement Investigators, and, if within a family, by Child Protective Services (CPS), as well. The family should cooperate with these agencies. They are there to protect your child and put an end to the abuse for your child and other children.

These agencies may ask you to meet them at the Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center, a neutral, child friendly place to conduct their interviews. The Child Advocacy Center will then refer you to other services for the child and the family to begin the healing process.
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Communtiy Resources

Saratoga Hospital
211 Church Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
587-3222

New York State Police
583-7000 or 911

Saratoga County Sheriff
885-6761 or 911

Saratoga County
Child Protective Services
(CPS)
152 West High Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
884-5151

Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center
Saratoga Center for the Family
359 Ballston Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
587-8008

NYS Dept. of Education Mandated Reporter of Child Abuse Training

Please call Saratoga Center for the Family for training details.

(518) 587-8008