Be watchful for more signs of abuse from childhood

My daughter in kindergarten told me that her cousin, who’s 18, touched her private parts.

She said it in a way that kids don’t make up. Also, the cousin had the chance and time to be alone with her.

I reported it to the police and spoke to the cousin’s parents.

They got upset, said it’s a family matter, and said their son wouldn’t do that.

They said little kids say stupid things sometimes.

They scared me by saying they’re getting a lawyer to sue me, and tell everyone my child and I are liars.

I felt badly, guilty, scared, doubtful, and confused. I didn’t cooperate with the police, so they closed the file.

The police then reported me to Children’s Aid Services. After investigating, they said my daughter’s safe from harm and hadn’t answered their questions about the cousin. So, they closed the file, too.

My daughter is okay (I told her it’d never happen again, I think she forgot about it) but I don’t want her to see my cousin’s family ever again.

Since they refuse to think their son did anything, I think I must cut from the whole family to keep us safe.

I still worry about the 18-yearold doing the same thing to other kids if he has the chance.

– Protecting My Child

You responded as a parent must, in reporting your child’s abuse account to the police.

The teenager’s parents reacted by denial rather than by investigation.

If he’s guilty, they made it possible that he could abuse again. Be watchful for other signs from your daughter of a memory that might return.

If it does, she may need specialized counselling.