Once you’ve reported the abuse to the appropriate authorities, your job in terms of legal and ethical responsibility is done. After that, your focus should shift to self-care, processing trauma, and rebuilding your sense of safety.
Here’s a concise framework:
1. Report
- Submit the evidence to the proper authorities (police, child protection services, or relevant safeguarding unit).
- Use official channels and document what you submit.
2. Move On Professionally
- Avoid lingering on the details unnecessarily.
- Maintain professional boundaries; do not investigate further on your own.
- Protect the child’s privacy and confidentiality.
3. Forget (Emotionally Reframe)
- Accept that you’ve done your part legally and ethically.
- Let go of guilt or responsibility for the actions of the abuser.
- Recognize that ongoing rumination can increase stress and trauma.
4. Seek Help and Therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy helps process emotions like shock, betrayal, and fear.
- Support groups or supervision sessions provide validation and guidance.
- Self-care strategies (exercise, mindfulness, journaling) reinforce resilience.
5. Key Principle
- You acted responsibly.
- The child’s safety is now in the hands of trained authorities.
- Protecting yourself emotionally ensures you can continue to help others without being overwhelmed by secondary trauma.
