Updated with new links:
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. ~ Benjamin Franklin
This month is Child Abuse Prevention Month. And, Prevention Works For Me. Check out other great tips at We are THAT Family.
Prevent the Sexual Abuse of Children in seven steps:
1. Learn the facts: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted as children. Sexual predators are known and trusted by 90% of victims' families.
2. Minimize opportunity: Don't put your child in a one adult- one child situations. One reason we love our church is that they don't allow one adult to be in the nursery/child care rooms. It's not only for the child's protection, but also for the adult's protection.
3. Talk about it: Teach your child correct names for body parts. Don't keep 'secrets' in a family. We have a No secret policy. We only keep 'surprises'. Teach your child about their body and about boundaries in an age -appropriate fashion.
4. Stay alert: Learn the warning signs. There may be no warning signs, but if there are signs and you don't know them, you'll regret it later.
5. Have a plan: If your child confides in you that he/she has been abused, an angry response will be damaging. Praise him/her for sharing this very difficult news. Seek help immediately. Child Sexual abuse is a crime. Report suspected cases to Child Protective Services or Law Enforcement immediately.
6. Act on Suspicions: If you aren't sure, call for help. Darkness to Light has a helpline.
Call: 1-866-FOR LIGHT
7. Get involved in prevention: If you've been affected, break the silence! Ask your child's school to implement prevention programs and policies. Donate your time and resources to prevention programs.
I put this list together based on a list provided by Darkness to Light and a research report I wrote in college. Check out their website for a more complete list.
I am a survivor. The memories of the year I was abused have been mostly blocked. The trauma of abuse wounds a soul so deeply that many people never recover completely. Look around our world. There are many hurting people. Only the power of the love of God has healed my wound.
Prevention is the answer. You can help.
UPDATED:
Go read this post for another point of veiw at It feels like chaos.
UPDATED: I just noticed the links didn't work, so I changed them. They should work now. Thanks and Sorry!
5 comments:
Thanks for sharing this! I also posted on child abuse prevention month last week. The more we know the more we can help stop this horrible problem!
Thanks for these tips. It's something that no parent wants, but too many won't look for.
thanks for the tip. I like the surprise vs. secret idea.
As a survivor I wish to thank you for bringing this to the attention of others. This part of my life haunts me often and at the most inopportune moments but your blogpost gave me a triumphant feeling. Others do know, others do care, and others will do their best to make it stop. You are a survivor and a "other". You are helping to make it stop. Thank you!!
Important info - thank you for sharing!
Thanks too for stopping by my place. It's nice to "meet" you :)
Susan
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