Learning that your child has experienced abuse can be overwhelming. However, your response plays a critical role in their healing journey. Here's how you can provide support:

Create a Safe Environment

• • Remain calm when your child shares difficult information
• • Reassure them that they are safe and that what happened was not their fault
• • Maintain regular routines to provide stability and security
• • Limit detailed discussions about the abuse in front of your child

Communication Strategies

• • Listen without judgment and avoid pressing for details
• • Use supportive phrases like "I believe you" and "I'm here for you"
• • Let them know it's okay to express all emotions—anger, sadness, fear
• • Follow their lead on how much they want to talk about their experience

Supporting Healing

• • Understand that therapy is essential for recovery
• • Attend parent sessions as recommended by therapists
• • Learn about trauma responses so you can respond appropriately
• • Practice patience—healing is not linear and may take time

Remember that you are not alone in this process. The Child Center in Abu Dhabi provides comprehensive support for both children and their families throughout the recovery journey.