School will begin soon and it is time to have those discussions about bus safety, drop and roll, stranger danger. Did you know that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18? Did you know that 85% of the time the child knows and trusts the abuser?
If you want to create a safe place for your children then you must educate yourself!
1. Learn the facts about child abuse. It can happen in any religious, ethnic or economic group.
2. Minimize the opportunity. Avoid situations where people you don’t know will be present and leaving children alone with them.
3. Stay alert to the signs of sexual abuse. Possible signs: reluctance to go home; secretiveness; nightmares, bedwetting, withdrawn or suddenly aggressive; running away; sexual knowledge beyond their years. See a more complete list at www.loveourchildrenusa.org or www.darkness2light.org.
4. Educate your children about appropriate sexual behavior and what constitutes unwanted or uncomfortable physical contact. Tell your children what an abuser might say. “This is our little secret. If you tell anyone I will hurt your mom or dog.”
5. Listen to your children. Tell them they can come to you and talk about anything.
6. Make a plan, where to go or who to call or how you will react if your child comes to you. Check out your local resources.
7. Challenge the media or advertising when they sexualize children! Write letters, boycott products.
8. Ask your schools, religious institutions and work what policies and protocols they have in place.
9. If you suspect child abuse you must report it! Call your local protection agency or the National Abuse Hotline; 1 800 25 ABUSE.
10. You have the power to end this epidemic of sexual child abuse: Speak out, take action and put children’s safety first.
What movies have you seen or books have you read that would be a great jumping off place for discussing abuse in your community?
