56
KEY TO KNOW
HELPER ADVICE
For a child who has been sexually abused , the main forms of help and support are :
1 . To be safe . Safety includes physical , relational and emotional safety . 2 . To obtain help to regulate feelings , attention and relations . 3 . To have its story validated and confirmed . 4 . Help to make clear who is responsible ( thereby reducing shame and guilt ). 5 . Help to process the trauma-story , and to make its life-story coherent , in words , drawings or play .
6 . Help to ( re- ) start normal development . This implies help to :
• Play and symbolise .
• Acquire body-awareness , balance and boundaries .
• Socialise , take turns , share , regulate distance and closeness , etc . 7 . Help to learn and master skills , emotions and information .