How to protect your child

from sexual abuse

Because the incidence of childhood sexual abuse is so prevalent, education and

awareness of the facts and risks can help you to protect your family. Following are

some tips to keep your children safe:

-

 Teach your child about touch. There is a difference between safe touch and

touch that doesn’t feel right. Make sure your toddler knows that no one should

touch his private parts. Let your child know that he can say no to anybody who

wants to touch him.

-

 Let your child show affection to friends and family members on his own terms.

Don’t make him kiss or hug someone.

-

 Let your child know early on that secrets are not okay. Most offenders try to

trick children into thinking they can’t tell anyone about what is happening

because it is a secret. If your child knows that keeping secrets is not okay, he

will know that something is wrong.

-

 Trust your child. Children don’t lie about abuse. If your child tells you that some-

one touched him and it didn’t feel right, believe him!

-

 Remember that most perpetrators are people that you or your children are famil-

iar with. The statistics show that it is not strangers we have to be aware of, but

people who our children are taught to trust.

-

 Teach your child the proper names of body parts. You can begin by using the

words vagina and penis during diaper changes. Having the right words to use

makes communication between parents and children easier.