Fear

Home: Workers: Counselling Issues: Supporting family members

Many parents and family members report feeling fearful of the offender. Sometimes they think the offender will seek revenge for the child having told. Even if the offender is in jail, parents can feel threatened by them. Parents fear meeting the offender or seeing them in court. In small communities this is more pronounced. One father spoke of feeling afraid every time he saw a similar car to that of the offender.

"I felt really frightened when I saw him in the supermarket. Other people thought I was scared because of what I could do to him but I actually felt scared of what he could do to me and the boys for telling"

Parents also have other fears for themselves and their child. Fear is not an easy feeling to admit to and people can sometimes lash out when they are afraid. Sometimes it's easier to admit to being frightened than trying to hide it. It is ok to feel afraid as this is perfectly normal. It helps to discuss fears with someone else because once fears are aired they become more manageable.

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