Should I wait to see if my child changes their story before I report?

No. Children often disclose sexual abuse in pieces as they feel safer, and details may come out over time. Waiting to see if your child "changes their story" can leave them and other children at risk and may make it harder to investigate what happened. If you have a reasonable concern that abuse occurred, you can reach out to child-protective services, law enforcement, a child advocacy center, or a confidential hotline to discuss next steps.

What if the person who abused my child is a family member or someone we rely on financially?

Sadly, many children are abused by people they know well, including relatives, family friends, or adults who help support the household. That makes safety planning more complicated, not less important. You can speak confidentially with a child advocacy center, a national hotline, or an experienced child sexual abuse attorney about options such as safety planning, emergency housing or relocation, victim compensation, and court protections. You do not have to navigate these decisions on your own.

Will my child have to testify in court?

Not every case leads to a criminal trial or civil lawsuit, and many matters resolve without a child testifying in a courtroom. If a case does go forward, courts and advocacy centers often use child-friendly procedures to reduce trauma, such as support persons, comfort items, or special arrangements for testimony where permitted by law. Speaking with an attorney who handles child sexual abuse cases in your state can help you understand what testimony might look like in Pennsylvania or New Jersey and weigh different options with your family.

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