Survivors Seeking Justice

The worst has happened. Your child just disclosed to you that they have experienced uncomfortable and/or inappropriate touch. You start to notice warning signs that your child may have been a victim of uncomfortable and/or inappropriate touch. What do you do?

Firstly, it’s important to remain calm, and never blame the child! Oftentimes, when children disclose their experience(s), they are afraid of repercussions that may occur. Predators often threaten children, indicating they’ll cause bodily harm to them or their family if the child tells. Other times, the child feels displaced shame or guilt for what happened to them. This is why it’s so important to remain calm, listen, and most importantly, believe your child! Let your child know they are supported and brave for sharing their experience with you.

As soon as a child discloses there has been inappropriate touch, it is important to contact your local authorities, Child Protective Services (CPS), or your local child advocacy center. If you’re not sure if there’s an advocacy center in your area, you can always contact a hotline like RAINN; they offer 24/7 crisis support for survivors. RAINN can also help you find a local sexual abuse and rape response agency.

Once parents and caregivers have reported suspected or disclosed abuse, going through the legal process will feel daunting. Throughout the investigative and court phases, a child will need a substantial amount of support. Police and child sexual assault nurse examiners will assess your child physically and psychologically. They will need to determine when the abuse occurred, how long ago, and who committed the abuse if possible. This time could be overwhelming and confusing for any family navigating the early stages of the legal process.

Whether families choose to settle or decide to take the trial to court, children will have questions about the results of their investigation. They may wonder what will take place during trial, or be nervous about what will happen when they tell the truth. Talking with a lawyer and judge is intimidating for adults, so just imagine how intimidating it’ll feel for a child survivor. Empower them to tell the truth by letting them know their voice matters. Let them know nothing they do or say will get them “in trouble.” Whatever happens in court is the responsibility of a lawyer, not the child’s responsibility. Set realistic expectations so they are prepared for whatever verdict is delivered.

It is most important to place your child’s safety at the center of the investigative and legal process.

Regardless of the outcome, the healing process becomes an uphill battle. It’s crucial for child survivors to be reassured that their experience was valid even if trial doesn’t pan out as hoped. Caregivers may look into mental health professionals for children who can guide survivors through their traumatic experience. Children will need an ample amount of support and guidance.

Diggs Publishing has a few child friendly books and journals to help children move through the healing process, but our resources just scratch the surface. Do your research on other coping mechanisms that could help your child through such a challenging period.

Talking to Judge: for brave children finding their voice in a courtroom. With a caring attorney as a guide and a caring judge, children learn that their voice matters! Talking to Judge is the perfect empowering tale for kids who have to testify under difficult circumstances. This children’s book is also a powerful tool for parents and social workers who want to support young voices, featuring a gentle guide with insights from Assistant District Attorney Jamie Biondolillo from St. Lawrence County, NY!

Growing Brave: a trauma-informed healing journal created especially for children ages 5–10 who are processing difficult experiences, including trauma, abuse, grief, or emotional distress. Designed with care and compassion in collaborating with the Redwood Children’s Center, this gentle journal empowers young children to explore their feelings, build confidence, and embrace their inner strength.

Growing Courage: a powerful trauma-informed journal created for pre-teens and teens ages 11–18 who are on a path toward healing from sexual abuse, trauma, and emotional hardships. Developed with clinical insight from the Redwood Children’s Center, this guided journal offers young survivors a safe space to process emotions, reflect, and reclaim their voice.

Going to Therapy: a compassionate and empowering children's book created to normalize therapy and spark open conversations about mental health, healing, and emotional well-being. Through warm illustrations and gentle storytelling, this book follows a young child as they take their first steps into the world of therapy—learning that asking for help is brave, not scary.

Body Safety Wise bundle set audiobook: a four book collection, an invaluable educational toolkit specially developed to empower parents, educators, and caretakers to teach children about bodily autonomy, boundaries, and consent! With age-appropriate writing, this bundle set is perfect for children aged 2-12. This audiobook includes the Where Hands Go series, and The ABCs of Consent, narrated by Michele Lyman.

Last Updated 1/21/2026.