Haruv institute - Leading Principles in Trauma-Informed Child Representation

happening to me.” Additionally, many children may feel complicit in the actions, for example, because of the abuse dynamics or the child’s response patterns. These children may feel guilty for not resisting or running away from the situation (even though they had no such option) and ashamed of what happened to them. Children who feel this way may find it difficult to participate in legal proceedings; they may try to minimize the abuse and its consequences and even deny it. – Idea for practice: Validating children in these difficult situations is the most important practice and, surprisingly, also the simplest. Validation means echoing the child’s feelings and thoughts. Validation also includes strengthening the child and thanking them for helping us understand them. For example: “It is completely natural for you to be afraid... many children are afraid of such a change...” / “Thank you for helping me understand better why it is important for you to study at a boarding school.” / “Thank you for explaining to me about your situation and that of your siblings.” understand very well why you feel that you have to stay at home and help your mother with your younger siblings. It is important that you know that it is our job, the adults, to take care of them.” – Idea for practice: When it seems that the child is caught up in justifying and defending the aggressor, it is important not to confront or argue with the child, but rather to validate their feelings and say: “You really want to help me understand how much your parents are good to you and love you. I am listening and hearing how important they are to you and how much you love them.” – Idea for practice: In relation to feelings of guilt or responsibility that children may feel, you can say: “I

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