Children's Services

Children who have been sexually abused may react to being traumatized in various ways. Some become withdrawn, while others have outbursts of emotion and behavioral reactions. The important thing is to listen, believe and be patient.

Needs of children who have been abused

To be told that the abuse was not their fault and they did nothing wrong. Over and Over again.
To be believed and reassured that they were right to tell.
To be informed of what will happen next with realistic and age-appropriate information.
To receive support and love.
To be assessed for counseling.

Please refer to our For Parents page for more information.

WOAR Counseling Services

WOAR provides free counseling services for both girls and boys, beginning at age 2. The sessions are focused on the sexual abuse that has occurred and the effects it may be having on the child’s life. WOAR has specially trained Masters level clinicians that provide trauma focused counseling. The sessions are usually 50 minutes to 1 hour once a week.

Counseling services for children who have been abused We encourage parent participation in the treatment process. Because we see your child only once a week it is important for the parents to become involved in the process. The counselor may ask you to join in for part of the session, give you a book to read with your child or give other homework assignments. Parents will receive support and education on sexual violence and ways they can help their children to heal.

You may request either individual or group counseling for your child. This decision can also be made with the counselor during the first appointment.

Group counseling is offered for children to be in a supportive setting, surrounded by other children who have been sexually abused. Groups are facilitated by two WOAR counselors and meet on a weekly basis. The groups are divided by gender and formed by developmentally appropriate ages. For example, we commonly have a teen group, girls age 10-12 or boys 7-9.

WOAR has designed a specialized treatment group for toddlers and their non-offending caregivers. Building Blocks is an 8 week group for children ages 3-4 or 5-6 and up to two of their primary caregivers. In this group children learn the Safe Touch Rule, gain an understanding of healthy boundaries and attachments, and have a space to express their feelings. The caregivers are given education about sexual abuse, learn how to support their child through the healing process and have a space to share their feelings with other parents