When a child finds the courage to share that they have been hurt, that moment represents an incredible act of trust. How we respond can shape whether the child feels supported and believed, or silenced and alone.
Following up from the first Spot Stop Support workshop on May 20, 2025, the second workshop, held on July 24, 2025 focused on Managing Disclosure from Child Survivors. The workshop equipped these participants with trauma-informed communication and response skills to help ensure that children who disclose experiences of harm are met with safety, understanding, and compassion.
Understanding Disclosure
The session began with the Under the Blanket activity to demonstrate how harmful responses accumulate and silence survivors. One participant took on the role of a survivor who came forward to disclose an incident of harassment, while eight others acted as community figures such as a parent, teacher, police officer, doctor, and village chief— responded with common but harmful statements. Each comment was accompanied by placing a cloth over the participant, symbolizing the emotional weight a child bears when met with dismissal, doubt, or blame.
A debrief followed, giving participants space to reflect on the experience and recognise how easily well-intended responses can discourage a child from continuing to share. Participants shared that the activity made them realise how unintentional comments can become barriers to disclosure.
The discussion emphasized that disclosure is often a process, not a single event, and that children may communicate harm indirectly or through behaviour. Trauma-informed responses acknowledge fear and vulnerability, prioritizing empathy over questioning. Calm, validating language helps reduce shame and builds the trust needed for a child to keep speaking.
The HEAR-SEE-SPEAK Approach
To deepen understanding on disclosures, the facilitator introduced the HEAR, SEE, SPEAK approach as a practical guide for responding with empathy and awareness.
- HEAR — Listen with presence, patience, and without rushing to investigate or interpret.
- SEE — Pay attention to non-verbal cues and signs of fear, withdrawal, or over-compliance.
- SPEAK — Use simple, affirming language that communicates belief and safety.
Through sets of activity, participants explored the importance of hearing with full attention, seeing with sensitivity to non-verbal cues, and speaking with language that promotes safety and empowerment. Participants also reflected on how body language, tone, and facial expression influence a child’s sense of safety.
The session highlighted the value of using simple, affirming language that communicates belief and care. Reframing questions from “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” helps children feel accepted and reduces the sense of blame.
CREATING IMPACT THROUGH Storyboarding
Facilitator introduced the Storyboard Method, a participatory tool that enables individuals and communities to safely share lived experiences, fostering expression, healing, and collective problem-solving.
Using this approach, participants designed communication materials such as posters, infographics, and short videos to raise awareness about child sexual abuse within their communities. Throughout the process, they reflected on the key messages they wanted to convey, the emotions they hoped to evoke, and the changes they aspired to inspire.
Participants were guided by a set of questions to help them narrow their focus and identify their target audience before moving into the creative phase. They then translated their ideas into visual designs, resulting in more focused and meaningful awareness materials. Some also shared their existing materials and insights into the development process, enriching the collective learning experience.
Creating safe spaces for disclosure is not a single workshop, but a continued practice of listening, empathy, and accountability. Every interaction is an opportunity to affirm a survivor’s dignity and to demonstrate that their voice matters.
Written by Awatif Nazri, Communications cum Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Click here to learn more about SPOT, STOP, SUPPORT.