What Happened to Elephant is a sensitively written social story and activity booklet created to support children and families after a child has experienced sexual abuse. This free printable PDF is a thoughtful and trauma-informed resource for children after sexual abuse, told through the journey of Elephant and their family. Using child-friendly language and illustrations, it offers gentle reassurance, helps normalise emotional responses, and creates safe opportunities for children to express and process their feelings.
The story uses age-appropriate language and animal characters to gently explore feelings of confusion, fear, sadness, and guilt. It explains what might happen after a disclosure, introduces trusted adults such as police, doctors and therapists, and helps children understand that what happened was not their fault.
Each section includes creative, therapeutic activities such as:
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Worry bubbles and calm bottles to manage anxiety
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Helping hands and comfort kits to build safety and connection
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Balloon popping and playdough smash to release big feelings
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Emotion sorting and maze tracing to support calming and reflection
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Role-play suggestions to support communication and expression
The story also acknowledges changes in family dynamics, school challenges, and the complicated mix of emotions children may feel. It reinforces key messages such as:
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“You are not to blame.”
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“It is okay to talk about your feelings.”
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“You are believed, and you are not alone.”
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“There are safe people who want to help.”
This resource is ideal for:
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Parents, foster carers, and kinship carers supporting a child after sexual abuse
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Social workers, therapists, and safeguarding professionals
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Emotional wellbeing practitioners, early help teams, and trauma services
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Therapeutic life story work and support following disclosure
Created by professionals and informed by the voices of children and caregivers, What Happened to Elephant is a compassionate, trauma-informed resource that helps children begin their healing journey with the support of trusted adults.
