The document discusses reasons why child abuse victims may delay telling others about the abuse. It shares stories from survivors Nikki and Kim illustrating that children fear negative consequences like guilt, shame, and not being believed. If confronted in an accusatory way when they do disclose, victims may recant their story. The relationship to the abuser, fear of family disruption, and victim blaming can also influence a child's willingness to tell. Adults need to listen non-judgmentally to potential signals from children and understand the imbalance of power between children and those meant to care for them.

1. Why children Don’t Tell Listen as Nikki and Kim share their insights and personal stories as survivors of child abuse