If a young person tells you that they want to talk to you about something that is worrying, hurting or frightening them:
* Find a place where you can listen in private - if possible, immediately.
* Be clear from the start that you can't keep this information to yourself, and you may have to tell others.
* Be patient - this could take a long time as the child will be in distress, and unsure what or how much to tell.
* Try to stay calm and reassuring - the child is relying on you.
* Try to stay non-judgemental - the child may very well love their abuser, so if you seem shocked that will make the situation even more confusing for them.
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