Specialized studies show that minors may cope psychologically with situations of abuse in different ways. Although the literature provides extensive documentation on the symptoms that children and adolescents may develop following abuse (post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, depression, eating or sleep disorders, etc.), the literature also indicates that, depending on whether certain factors are present or not, children may or may not develop these symptoms, or they may cope emotionally in different ways with the abusive situation they have experienced. In this case, we are referring to protective factors once the abusive situation has occurred.

It is important for you, as parents or caregivers, to know that there are actions or steps you can take to support your child’s psychological recovery as quickly as possible following an abusive situation. Below, we will discuss some of these protective factors:

Stable and supportive relationships with parents or primary caregivers: Research shows that support from caregivers is one of the main factors in post-abuse psychological recovery. The warm, close, empathetic, and supportive presence of parents is essential for the child’s emotional well-being once the abuse has occurred.

Access to specialized mental health services: When a child develops post-abuse symptoms and it is difficult or impossible to manage them adequately within the family, it may be necessary to seek specialized psychological or psychiatric services. We are referring here to symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, dissociation, sleep or eating disorders, etc., which, due to their intensity and/or frequency, disrupt the child’s overall well-being or daily routine. With regard to psychological services, we are referring to assessment, psychological counseling, or psychotherapy. If the symptoms cause significant distress to the child and cannot be alleviated or managed through psychological intervention alone, then a psychiatric consultation may be necessary.

A safe and predictable living environment: It is important that, whether at home, at school, or in other settings or environments, the child has established routines and clear activities in which they are involved—activities that support their psychological development, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Predictability, safety, and a structured daily schedule reduce anxiety and help regulate emotions, whether we’re talking about younger children or adolescents.

Positive relationships with peers and friends: Positive social relationships with children or adolescents of the same age foster the development of social and emotional skills, improve their ability to manage their own feelings and emotions, and help them cope with the situations they face. Positive relationships with others, along with the satisfaction and positive emotions that stem from these relationships, serve as a protective factor against post-abuse symptoms and encourage the development of psychological coping strategies for dealing with the abuse they have experienced.

Participation in structured activities: involvement in school or extracurricular activities (sports, music, clubs) provides a distraction from the abusive event, refocusing attention on constructive and beneficial activities, and helping to develop the child’s identity and self-confidence.

As parents, you have a range of “tools” at your disposal to support your child’s recovery after the abuse and to encourage positive development. At the same time, you must keep in mind that the support you provide must be consistent and ongoing, as healing is not a linear process.

Bibliography:

Coping patterns among sexually abused children: A latent profile analysis, Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 169, February 2025, 108083, web address ScienceDirect Coping patterns among sexually abused children: A latent profile analysis – ScienceDirect

Risk and Protective Factors, CDC Risk and Protective Factors, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, CDC web address Risk and Protective Factors | Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention | CDC

Article written by: Patricia Aramă, clinical psychologist, expert psychologist, specializing in the assessment and forensic psychological evaluation of children