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Document Douglascountywi_doc_7487ad9e54

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What do I do if I think someone is abusing a child? If a child discloses that he or she has been abused by someone, it is important that you... DO • Support the child • Validate his/her feelings • Listen to the child • Believe the child DO NOT • Investigate • Ask leading questions (for exam- ple…”That man touched you didn’t he?”) • Make promises • Notify the parent(s) or caregiver(s) Ask ONLY five questions: 1. What happened? 2. Who did this to you? 3. Where were you when this happened? 4. When did this happen? 5. How many times has this happened? Where do I report? During business hours, M-F, 8 am—4:30 pm call: 1. The Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services at 715- 395-1304 2. The local law enforcement agency: • Douglas County Sheriff’s Department at [PHONE REDACTED] • Superior Police Department at [PHONE REDACTED] • Emergency at 9-1-1 After business hours, weekends, and holidays, call: Emergency at 9-1-1 Report suspected child abuse IMMEDIATELY Ideally, the reporter should be the person who took the Information directly from the child