Helping the Children of the Hibbing Catholic Community

By Dr. Chad Scott
Hibbing Daily Tribune
May 10, 2015

http://www.hibbingmn.com/opinion/columnists/helping-the-children-of-the-hibbing-catholic-community/article_5db1d228-f6aa-11e4-a7b1-1b243f963ac3.html

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.

The police need to be contacted immediately if at any time a child discloses that they were a victim of abuse — no exceptions. Children who are sexually abused can recover from their experiences and lead satisfying lives, and early intervention can help enormously.

One of the most important things that a parent or guardian can do during this time is to encourage, not force, their child to talk about their related thoughts and feelings as often as they want to talk. Give your child your full attention and try to be as nonjudgmental as possible in your responses. Do not express frustration with your child or try to “solve” all of their concerns. Providing reassurance, helping with labeling emotions and clarifying misconceptions are very beneficial during this readjustment period.

Processing their emotions over time will help them to regain a sense of normalcy. That amount of time is unique for each child. This process can be sped up by having the child stay involved in activities and household chores.

For more information about childhood sexual abuse and prevention checkout the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website at www.nsvrc.org or contact them by phone at 1-877-739-3895. The Range Mental Health Center as well as the St. Louis County Health and Human Services division can also provide valuable information.

Chad Scott, Ph.D. is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with the Range Mental Health Center and Instructor with the Department of Psychology at Bemidji State University