MINNESOTA
Hibbing Daily Tribune
Posted: Sunday, May 10, 2015
by Dr. Chad Scott
Columnist
The sexual misconduct by a member of the clergy may cause the children associated with this community to go through a period of readjustment. What we do as adults can significantly help the children during this difficult time.
Without support, children often experience varying levels of avoidance and denial, which can prevent the utilization of healthy coping strategies. In some cases this can lead to mental and physical difficulties that can impact a variety of areas in a child’s life.
Providing meaningful information to children in language that they can easily understand is crucial. Let them know that the vast majority of clergy, teachers and others in positions of authority are trustworthy, and that schools and churches are overwhelmingly safe places. They also need to understand that a small number of people in positions of authority do inappropriate things to children, and that it is important to let a parent or guardian know if he or she ever experiences such an incident.
There are a multitude of reactions that a child may have in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Some of the more common reactions include sleep problems, feeling sad or worried, guilt feelings, anger and aggression, feeling sick, being preoccupied with the event, social withdrawal and concentration problems to name just a few. Another frequently seen reaction that is more common in younger children is developmental regression, such as increased clinging, crying or soiling their clothes.
Telling a child that the way they are reacting is normal allows them to feel normal in an otherwise abnormal situation with a few exceptions.
Not all children will be able to cope effectively and that their reactions to the event may need to be evaluated by a professional. These include any behavior or emotional state that significantly interferes with daily functioning. Professional interventions need to be sought out immediately if thoughts of suicide or self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting oneself, are found to be present.
The local crisis hotline can be contacted 24-hours per day by calling 1-800-450-2273. Contact 911 immediately if a child ever appears to be in imminent danger of suicide. Never leave a suicidal person alone without first consulting a mental health professional.
In talking with their child or observing their behavior, a parent may become suspicious that their child may be a victim of sexual abuse. No one symptom or behavior universally signals sexual abuse. A consultation with a mental health professional is recommended if there are any extreme changes in a child’s behavior, such as significant regression in development, hypersexuality or significantly withdrawing from others.
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