What Is safe place?

​

A comfortable space for anyone that may need services after they report sexual or physical abuse. Safe Place can provide a professional interview for an individual to share their experience, advocacy and support, connections to specialized treatment and services, and much more. Safe Place has a whole team of professionals that work together to make sure the process is as supportive as possible. 
 

Who Will My Child Talk To?

​

Your child will talk with a trained interviewer that will help make them as comfortable as possible. The interviewer has special training in talking to children about difficult subjects. The interview is child friendly, without pressure or influence. The interviewer will ask questions in a way that best meets your child's own needs.

​​

Should I Talk To My Child About What Happened?

​

Between now and your appointment at Safe Place, try to talk only about what happened if your child brings it up. If they want to talk about it, listen to them without asking for a lot of details. Be very careful to your words, emotional response and reactions. Your child will look to you for safety and support and your reaction matters!  Show concern and compassion for what your child says but do not react with shock, anger or relief. 

​

What Can I Do To Support My Child?

​

Let your child know that you will be supportive, kind and loving. Tell your child that it is not their fault and that they will be safe. Make sure your child knows that they are not in trouble. Spend quality time with your child.  As much as possible, remain consistent in daily routines. Let your child know that specialized help is available, as well as an entire team of people that will help them through their experience and start their healing journey.

​

What Should I Tell My Child About Coming to Safe Place?

​

“We are going to Safe Place.  It’s a friendly place where kids go to talk.  They talk to lots of kids about what might have happened to them. It’s okay to tell them everything.”

​

What Will Happen After the Interview?

​

After your child is interviewed, the Safe Place victim advocate will stay in touch, provide updates, make sure the team hears your and your child's voice, and provide assistance for any basic or specialized needs you may have.