Assignment on Physical Abuse of a Child?

Question

For my assignment I have to write a dialogue that may occur between myself and a child who appears to have been beaten by his mother, but every time I try to write it I feel my character is "leading" the child.

What sort of questions would I ask that wouldn't traumatise the kid even more than he already would be?

What sort of things would a Five year old be likely to disclose to a child care worker about his mother hitting him?

Answer 1

Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that you have to be very careful in asking questions that aren't leading and this can be difficult to do.  Keep to the basic facts, and you note the questions and child's responses exactly.  I try to keep my attitude as though it must have been an accident, but I NEVER say that.  I'll ask, Really?  When did that happen?  Does it hurt?  I can get you some ice to put on it.  Did mommy already put ice on it?  Did mommy take you to the doctor?  What were you guys doing when it happened?  Do you remember who else was there?  Keep it basic, and factual.  Leave further questioning to the experts.  In my state, we have an 800 number to call if we hear such a comment from a child, and we are mandated reporters of suspected abuse.  We MUST call.  I have sat in on the interviews that occur in these situations (sometimes children are uncomfortable talking to a stranger and want someone they know and trust, like their teacher to sit with them), and I can tell you that they are extremely well done.  They are never leading and they are very relaxed and non-threatening in their approach.  Leave your own questioning to a minimum and contact the experts as quickly as possible.

Answer 2

Try imagining the bruises were a result of a fall. If you come into the situation with no assumptions, it'll make the dialog much easier.

Answer 3

Hi

You can start out by saying to that child.."Ouch..that looks sore..." and then continue with "what happened? " Usually a child will ellaborate on that...and it is not leading...it is just telling the child what you see...and you care about them and want to hear all about it.

then I usually just leave it to the professionals to do the rest of the questioning..I don't want the child to feel that they need to change the story (if they see something on my face..facial expressions).

Go with yout gut feeling...if it is nothing..DSS will let you know..and most parents are happy that you are looking out for the safety of their children. (they may be upset at first..but I usually talk to them to let them know I needed to report it. Before DSS contacts them).

Answer 4

Can you look at transcripts of other such interviews and see how they answer? I know some children would be very straight forward because they don't know its not supposed to happen while others would have been taught to hide it out of fear.