58
4.1 Caring and safety
For a child who has been abused and mistreated , the most important thing is to improve the quality of care so that the child feels protected and loved . Supporting the child ’ s caregivers is usually the best way to support the child . Reactions to abuse and maltreatment can be complex and difficult to handle both for the child and for caregivers . The focus should be on understanding and meeting the needs of the child . To do this , it is important to explore carefully the child ’ s reactions , as well as the reactions of caregivers .
4.1.1 Safety
Aim . To do exercises on safety and discuss how to increase a child ’ s sense of safety .
A child ’ s survival strategies activates when experiencing a threat , without the needs are being met . Victims of sexual abuse often feel unsafe in their bodies ; they can feel fragile and insecure . They have experienced not being protected , and their boundaries have been violated . Helpers should assist caregivers to be aware of how the child feels , so the caregiver can try to help the child regain a sense of safety and protection . There are many aspects to feeling and being safe . It is worth separating them out .
HELP AND ACTION
Physical safety
Consider the level of safety in the community . Help caregivers to make sure that the child lives in an environment where it can be protected . Discuss how security can be maximised even in unsafe environments . Help caregivers to be aware of who they bring close to the child , and their responsibility to protect the child .
Emotional safety
Though the child may be safe physically , it may feel unsafe inside . Caregivers should be available and sensitive to signals the child gives , and help the child to recognise what being safe inside feels like .
Relational safety
A child who has been sexually abused will mistrust others , and it is often difficult to restore trust . Respecting the child ’ s need to regulate distance and establish its personal space is crucial . Children exposed to abuse can easily feel invaded . Be aware of physical distance , and intimacy . Be particularly sensitive when it comes to physical touch ; respect the child ’ s need for personal space . Some children who have been abused can misinterpret actions as sexual and confuse intimacy with sexuality . Some children will invite to sexual contact with other children or adults , putting themselves and others at risk of sexual abuse . It is important to protect the children in question and others from new abusive situations , and to manage potentially risky situations ( children playing together , going to bed ).