Children experiencing maltreatment – who do they turn to?

Star rating: 4/5

Brid Featherstone and Helen Evans.
NSPCC
ISBN 1842280457
£8

This NSPCC literature review surveys the research on children
talking to adults about their worries, then focuses on children
disclosing maltreatment, writes Clea Barry.

Most children name at least one person – usually mothers – they
trust with their worries. Few mention teachers or are aware of
other sources of help. They worry that adults may tell others, take
over or fail to listen. Guilt and isolation make maltreated
children less likely to disclose, while some do not name their
experience as abusive, or want to appear “normal”.

Few children who disclose abuse go on to regret it. The study
recommends more children might tell if we value and strengthen peer
support and give children more time and control in the process.

Clea Barry is a child protection worker Encouraging
positive discipline.