How to Keep Your Child From Becoming a Sexual Abuse Victim

By eHow Parenting Editor

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As many as 80,000 cases of child sexual abuse are reported each year, and many more cases go unnoticed. There are preventative steps you can take to help keep your child from becoming the next victim.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Yellow Pages

Step1

Stay in close touch with your child so you will be aware if something changes in his or her life.

Step2

Remind your child to stand up for his or her rights.

Step3

Explain that it is okay to set limits on others who overstep boundaries.

Step4

Be on the lookout for warning signs, such as a child who is suddenly hesitant to go to school or to visit a friend.

Step5

Find out what legislation exists in your state to protect children from sexual abuse.

Step6

Write to your state officials if you feel you need stricter laws in place and tougher punishments for offenders.

Step7

Ask what treatment programs are in place in your community and state for people who are convicted of child sexual abuse so that they don't commit the same crime again.

Step8

Know the adults that your children come into contact with regularly since a sexual abuser could be among them. Ask questions about your children's teachers, counselors and coaches if you have any concerns.

Step9

Encourage prevention programs in the local schools.

Tips & Warnings

Remember that sexual offenders can come from all socioeconomic classes.
Understand that sexual abuse can include watching or participating in pornography, as well as being touched physically.

Comments

dbhowe35 said

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on 7/19/2008 A great book on this subject is "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin DeBecker. Two significant things to add is to be certain your child knows you can handle ANYTHING good or bad they tell you. The second is to trust your gut and teach your kid to trust theirs....I agree with the comment about adults. Teaching a child how to talk with adults, helps them to handle any situation...teach kids to have confidence, not anxiety...

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on 11/22/2005 As a very young child, my father tried to molest me for years, but something made me run from him. I ran for 18 years. I would find ways to protect myself from him. I tried to never be alone with him. I would surround myself with my stuffed animals when I slept, so he could not touch me. He would make me undress in front of him after my mother went to work. I was so scared. I am now 60 years old, and I am still so scared.
Please watch your children. Please.

said

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on 11/22/2005 Note if your child is going through several mood swings lately. It may be a sign of sexual abuse and the inability to express his/her feelings.

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on 11/22/2005 The best thing you can do is to teach your children self-confidence around adults. Your child should learn to hold his/her own in conversations and situations with adults; this will serve them well if confronted with a nasty situation.