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Step 1
Learn the warning signs of child sexual abuse to stop it from happening!To prevent child sexual abuse, learn the warning signs of sexual abuse. Children are often too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about the abuse, so it is important to know the tell-tale signs. Some of the warning signs of child sexual abuse are redness, rashes or swelling in the genital area, and urinary tract infections. Other physical signs are anxiety, complaints of frequent stomach aches or headaches. There are emotional or psychological signs as well, including withdrawal, depression, and unexplained anger. It is important to know that there are times when sexual abuse is present, but there are no warning signs at all. You can learn more about child sexual abuse by visiting the Resources section of this article.
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Step 2
Reduce situations where your child is alone with another adult.To prevent child sexual abuse, minimize the opportunity. Eliminate or reduce the number of one-adult, one-child situations, even if the adult is someone whom you trust. Oftentimes people who sexually abuse children act and look like everyone else and go out of their way to appear trustworthy so they can have access to children.
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Step 3
Talk openly with your child.To prevent child sexual abuse, talk openly with your child. Keep the lines of communication open so that your child is not afraid to confide in you if sexual abuse occurs.
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Step 4
Teach children about their bodies and inappropriate touching.To prevent child sexual abuse, teach your children about their bodies. Teach them that is bad, or "against the rules" for adults to touch their bodies and act in sexual ways towards them. Explain to the child what parts of their body should never be touched unless the touching is by a doctor when Mom or Dad is with them.
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Step 5
If a child is uncomfortable around an adult, ask why.To prevent child sexual abuse, be proactive. If a child appears uncomfortable or anxious around an adult, ask the child why. If a news story comes on the television about sexual abuse, rape, or any other sexual deviance, use that time to talk to your child (age appropriate of course).
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Step 6
Never doubt your child when they talk about sexual abuse. Trust your instincts.If a child tells you that he/she has experienced sexual abuse, believe them. Never doubt the child. Trust your instincts. Thank the child for confiding in you and convince the child that it is not their fault and that the child did nothing wrong. Explain to the child that you must report what happened and assure them that everything will be alright. By acting on suspicions of child abuse, you are not only helping this child, but possibly many other children.
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Step 7
Report the suspected abuse. Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD for help.Report the suspected sexual abuse to Law Enforcement or to your local Child Protection Agency. Get immediate help for the child, including a physical exam and counseling if the child is old enough to discuss the abuse. You can call the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. They have professionals on staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help. Your call is always anonymous.
Comments
MommyTeach said
on 4/14/2009 This is great. 5* and a recommend. I do all of these things for my 4yr old and will do them for my baby when she gets old enough too. I hear horrible stories about that and gasp.. like the daycare couple that got caught. Children come straight from Heaven and must be treated as such.
keytothestars said
on 4/12/2009 Wonderful article on preventing chilhood sexual abuse. Thanks for bringing this important subject into the light.
athome said
on 4/10/2009 Great article on National Child Abuse Month and preventing Child Ssexual abuse. 5
tachic said
on 4/9/2009 Great tips to prevent child sexual abuse.
sonni57 said
on 4/9/2009 Child sexual abuse is way out of control thanks for the timely article on how to prevent it.