Dealing with Traumatic Events

Tips for Talking with Young People About Difficult Topics

As adults—whether caregivers, educators, or community members—we play a critical role in helping young people process traumatic or confusing events. Children and teens may respond in different ways: with questions, silence, strong emotions, or changes in behavior. It’s important that we remain available, patient, and willing to talk, even when conversations are hard. Here are a few helpful reminders:

Start by creating a safe space for conversation. Let them know it’s okay to have questions or feelings.
Use age-appropriate language and answer honestly, even if it means saying, “I don’t know.”
Reassure them that they are not alone and that adults are here to help keep them safe.
Watch for changes in behavior that may signal stress or confusion, and seek help if needed.

If your student has experienced sexual assault, abuse, or dating violence, the school district urges you to prioritize safety and medical care. For confidential advocacy and support in Ulster County, call the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance 24-hour hotline at (845) 340-3442 or Family of Woodstock at (845) 338-2370 (text/chat options available). For emergencies call 911. If you believe a child is being abused, you can report to NY State Child Protective Services at 1-800-342-3720. These services are free and available regardless of whether you choose to report to police.

Has there been a sexual crime? Here’s what to do:

For teenagers — information and options

You have options. You don’t have to decide everything at once.
Immediate steps
• If you are in danger now, call 911.  
You can get medical care even if you’re not sure you want to report to the police. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (S.A.N.E.) can do a confidential exam and help with Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention and pregnancy prevention. Call - Ulster County Crisis Hotline.

Confidential help

Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP) — crisis line and advocates who can talk with you, help you understand options (medical exam, police report, school accommodations). You do not have to press charges to get support. Ulster County
Family of Woodstock — 24/7 hotline, text/chat options, advocates trained to help teens; they offer counseling and safety planning. Text/chat info and 24-hour hotline are on their site. familyofwoodstockinc.orgUlster County

If you’re worried about privacy
Advocates can explain mandatory reporting rules and confidentiality. If you speak with the school or a mandated reporter, they may need to inform child protective services for your safety—an advocate can help you understand what that means. Ulster Countyfamilyofwoodstockinc.org

A few national options (available 24/7)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE / 1-800-656-4673) — anonymous online chat and phone support for survivors everywhere.

For parents — what to know and local supports

Quick steps for parents

Ensure immediate safety (remove the child/teen from danger; call 911 if the assailant is present).
Preserve evidence if possible (avoid bathing/changing clothing, keep phone/text history).
Seek medical care (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (S.A.N.E.) exam can preserve evidence and treat injuries).
Contact a local victim advocate — advocacy does not require reporting to police and can help with safety planning, medical accompaniment, and legal/academic support.
If the victim is a minor, report suspected child abuse to Child Protective Services (see below) as required by law and to ensure protection and services.

Local advocacy, counseling & shelter

Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP) — free, confidential victim services and 24-hour crisis hotline for residents (advocacy, counseling, court accompaniment). Ulster County+1
Family of Woodstock / Washbourne House — county domestic violence & sexual assault services, 24-hour crisis hotline and shelter options; provides advocacy, counseling, safety planning and family court advocates. familyofwoodstockinc.org+1
Ulster County Department of Social Services — contact for child welfare, referrals, and supports. Ulster County

Medical / forensic

Ulster County S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) Unit — for forensic exams and trauma-informed medical care (contact number listed by the county). Ulster County
Reporting & legal

Parents may choose to report to local police (Saugerties Police non-emergency: (845) 246-9800) or directly to Ulster County CVAP for guidance; advocates can explain pros/cons of reporting. crimewatch.netUlster County

Family Court / Court Advocates (Ulster County)

Family of Woodstock and county pages list Family Court advocacy contacts. Ulster Countyfamilyofwoodstockinc.org

Crisis Hotlines

Ulster County / local
Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance — 24-hour crisis hotline: (845) 340-3442 (nights, weekends & holidays) and (845) 340-3443 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Ulster County+1

Family of Woodstock — 24-hour hotline: (845) 338-2370; text/chat option listed on their site (text: 845-679-2485). familyofwoodstockinc.orgUlster County

Ulster County Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (S.A.N.E.) unit: (845) 802-3522 (contact for forensic exams/medical evaluation). Ulster County

State & National
New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906 (multilingual). wellness recovery

New York State Child Abuse Hotline / State Central Register: 1-800-342-3720 (to report suspected child abuse / maltreatment). Ulster CountyOCFS

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) / National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) — phone and online chat (anonymous). Office of Victim Services

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (if domestic violence co-occurs). Ulster County

Tips for parents from www.erinslaw.org

Warning Signs of an Abused Child

Nightmares
Trouble sleeping
Bed wetting
Change in appetite
Fear of certain people, places, activities
Mood swings: Rage, Anger, Fear, anxiety, insecure or withdrawn
Depression
Aggression
Feeling shameful or guilty
Isolating oneself
Withdrawal from someone
Resisting removing clothes when appropriate times (bedtime, bathtime)
Change in academics
Running away from home
Suicidal thoughts
Acting out sexually
Exhibits adult sexual behaviors, knowledge, and language.

Signs More Common in Adolescents

Eating disorders
Self Injury
Drug and alcohol abuse
Promiscuous activity
Running away
Suicidal
Depression and anxiety
Fear
Academic problems

Signs of an Adult who may be Sexually Abusing your Child

Giving a child special attention
Trying to spend a lot of time alone with a child
Buying child expensive gifts or giving them money
Treating a child as a “favorite” from other children
Physical affection towards a child: Kissing, hugging, holding hands, or wanting to be very close to a child
If a child discloses abuse
Listen to the child
Let them know they did the right thing by telling
Tell them this is not their fault
Say you believe them
Let child know they are safe now and won’t be hurt again
Report abuse immediately to police

Find more valuable information at www.erinslaw.org

Additional Crisis Information

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect to trained counselors who are there to listen and offer help. Whether you're in emotional distress or just need a safe space to talk, they're here 24/7. For TTY users, dial 711 then 988.
NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH): OMH provides tools so you can find mental health services near you. No matter what you're dealing with, you can find the support you deserve. Check out resources from OMH:

OMH services for Children, Teens, and their Families

LGBTQIA+ Resources

Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Help is available anytime, and it's anonymous and free.
The Trevor Project: 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ youth — call 1-866-488-7386, text "START" to 678-678, or visit thetrevorproject.org.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (SAMHSA): Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential mental health and substance abuse treatment referrals and information. Available 24/7, in English and Spanish. (For deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, dial (1-800-487-4889).