What do you do if your child tells you about abuse?

Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.

Stay calm, believe your child, and say it isn't their fault. Tell them you're glad they told you and they're not in trouble. Don't push for details. Then get professional help. In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. In danger, call 911 or 999.

What do you say?

Stop It Now says to let your child know that you believe them, that it wasn't their fault, that you're so glad they spoke up, and that they're not in trouble. Tell them you will still love them, no matter what happened. Short sentences are fine:

"I'm glad you told me."
"I believe you."
"It is not your fault."
"You are not in trouble."

How do you stay calm?

Take a deep breath. Stop It Now says one of the most important things you can do is to respond calmly and matter-of-factly. It also says children rarely lie about sexual abuse, and they need you to believe them so they aren't discouraged from sharing other hard things. Your shock can wait until you're with another adult.

How much do you ask?

Very little. Listen without suggesting answers. If needed, ask a few brief, open questions about who, when and what. If your child hesitates, don't push or ask again. Stop, and bring in professional help.

Who do you call?

Immediate danger: 911 in the US, 999 in the UK.
US, reporting: your state's child protective agency or the police. Childhelp has a map of state numbers.
US, advice: Childhelp, 1-800-422-4453, call or text. It's a counseling line, not a reporting line.
UK: your local council's children's social care team, or the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000.

What about you?

Stop It Now says to get support to keep your own emotions in check. Filing a report can be a step toward support for your child and your family. Read how to report child abuse.

Frequently asked questions

What if my child takes it back later?

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a guide on this. Children sometimes take back what they said. Keep listening, and talk to the professionals involved.

What if the person is in our family?

Stop It Now says the steps are the same: believe your child and get help. Childhelp and the NSPCC can talk through your situation with you.

Keep reading

All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe? A guide for parents. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.

Sources

Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.

Stop It Now: What should I do after a child discloses sexual abuse?.
Childhelp: National Child Abuse Hotline.
USAGov: Report a crime.
GOV.UK: Report child abuse.
Nemours KidsHealth: Child Abuse.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: What to Do If Your Child Discloses Sexual Abuse.

This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.