Relationship with the child

Home: Workers: Counselling Issues: Supporting family members

Sexual assault affects parents' relationships with their child as it does with each other. All the feelings outlined can become part of how you relate to your child. On the positive side it can mean that you communicate more with them and become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. Less positive can be dealing with a range of behaviours that challenge even the most devoted of parents. Constant bedwetting; lack of sleep; aggression and clingness can make you feel angry with your child and then guilty for being angry. The childs' behaviours are reflections of their feelings. If the feelings can be talked about the behaviour disappears.

Above all reassure the parents that this crisis will pass and it will become easier to live with as time goes by.

Sponsor

Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 4 Aug 2010