When the person who makes a child feel uncomfortable or unsafe is a family member, the situation can feel especially confusing and scary. Children may feel torn between loyalty, love, and fear, or worry about getting someone in trouble or breaking the family apart.
Even in these situations, it is still important for your child to tell a trusted adult. If they are not sure who to talk to, help them identify another trusted family member or a trusted adult outside the family, such as a teacher, school counselor, nurse, coach, or a friend’s parent.
It can be helpful to say, “I know this is really hard when it involves family. You can love someone and still be hurt by them. Your safety matters more than protecting anyone else.”
Reassure your child that telling does not automatically lead to drastic outcomes, but staying silent should never be the price of keeping the peace.