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change a child's life

When a child discloses

When a child tells someone that they are being abused it can be scary to think about what comes next. Feeling scared or unsure is normal and okay. Here are some steps you can take to help:
    Do not question the child. Investigators are trained to ask the right questions to get the right information.
    Listen to the child and keep calm. Tell them that it is not their fault.
    Write down what the child says and what you see or notice.
    Be honest and don’t make promises you may not be able to keep (“The offender will go to jail” or “You will       never have to see them again.”).
    Do not confront the suspected offender.
    Report it! Call the DHHS Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-452-1999. Call the police in the town/place where the       abuse happened.

Reporting abuse can seem scary or hard. It also may change a child's life.

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AMHC Sexual Assault Services is funded in part by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, and your generous public and private donations. AMHC Sexual Assault Services is a program of Aroostook Mental Health Center and is a member of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

In accordance with federal regulations, AMHC Sexual Assault Services does not discriminate in the access to or provision of its services.
For help, call us at
1-800-871-7741. Phone help is available 24/7. 

AMHC Sexual Assault Services serves Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington Counties.
  • Sexual Assault Services
    • About >
      • Who We Are
      • Get Involved
    • Support >
      • Our Support Services
      • Chat
      • LGBTQ+
    • Education >
      • Our Education Programs
      • Primary Prevention
  • Children's Advocacy Center
    • Aroostook CAC
    • Downeast CAC
    • Responding to a Child
    • CAC Process
  • Sexual Assault Helpline
    • Help Now
    • FAQs
  • Resources
    • Maine
    • National
    • Stats & Info
  • Contact