Disclosures & Indicators

Sometimes school administrators, faculty, and staff don’t readily detect and respond to incidents of abuse because they are unaware of the behavioral and emotional signals. In fact, direct physical signs of sexual abuse are not common.

Victims of abuse often gradually disclose what has happened. Children are especially reluctant to talk about abuse. They are afraid of negative reactions of adults or of “getting into trouble” with the abuser. Always listen to children, youth, and vulnerable adults—but remember, disclosure can take many forms: verbal, nonverbal, behavioral, and emotional.

When You Hear an Accusation

It’s imperative that your school staff pay special attention to accusations of abuse. Always take the accusation seriously, regardless of whether the suspected abuse or neglect is related to your organization. In most states, individuals in an educational setting are likely mandatory reporters. Make sure your policy reflects the law in your state and details the reporting steps. Refer to this resource to find your state’s mandatory reporting laws.

Seek help from your school’s legal counsel and local law enforcement representatives when developing a new policy or strengthening an existing one. They can provide guidance on the proper steps to report abuse. Faculty, staff, volunteers, administrators, and board members may be required to report any reasonable suspicion of abuse, not just clear or convincing evidence.

When a Student Confides in You

• Remain calm. Reassure the person that he or she has done the right thing by telling.
• Let the student use his or her own words.
• Be a good listener and don’t make promises to “fix this.”
• Document what you were told. Immediately alert school administrators and report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities in your state. Use the sample “Notice of Injury or Abuse” form.
• Don’t criticize or interrogate.
• Don’t make suggestions or attempt to alter the person’s story.
• Don’t launch your own investigation. You risk exposing your school to increased liability. Rely on the authorities to make determinations.