What should you do if a minor reports abuse to you?

When a minor reports abuse to you, the most appropriate response is to listen and provide support, while also ensuring that the report is communicated to the proper authorities. This option emphasizes the importance of validating the minor's feelings and taking their allegations seriously, which is crucial for their emotional well-being. Listening without judgment creates a safe environment for the minor, encouraging them to share more details and feel supported.

Additionally, reporting to authorities is essential due to legal responsibilities and the need to protect the minor and potentially others from harm. Authorities have the training and resources to investigate and respond appropriately to such situations. This approach aligns with established protocols for handling reports of abuse, ensuring the matter is addressed seriously and responsibly.

In contrast, ignoring the report or advising the minor to forget it is harmful and dismissive of their experiences. Discussing the report with friends can lead to breaches of confidentiality and escalate the situation without proper intervention. Lastly, asking the minor to gather more evidence could place additional emotional burdens on them and may complicate the situation, further delaying necessary protective actions. Therefore, the correct approach is to actively listen, provide support, and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.