Intervening now is key It is crucial to address sexually harmful behaviors in youth promptly, especially as they approach an age at which they can be held legally accountable for their actions. The stakes only get higher if you wait. Act now. Some things to keep in mind when talking to a child or...
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You can stop Treatment for people who struggle with harmful or abusive sexual behaviors is available. If you are motivated to stop abusive behaviors and to get specialized treatment, you can learn to change your behaviors and live a healthy, fulfilling, and productive life. Having the support and...
Not knowing what might happen to you makes it hard to ask for help You may feel afraid to reach out for help because you don't know what might happen to you or your family if you do. The fact is, child sexual abuse is a crime and must be dealt with through the child protection and criminal justice...
Someone you love or care about may be acting in ways that worry or confuse you. Maybe you’ve noticed inappropriate behaviors that have a sexual tone or make others feel awkward, nervous, or embarrassed. Or, you might know of current sexual abuse, possibly involving child pornography that must be...
You are not alone. Help is available. If you are in crisis and need help immediately, please consult one of the following toll-free national hotlines or contact your local police or emergency services. All hotlines are free. Resources: Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) Provides 24/7 assistance in 170...
You are not alone. There are adults who care. If you are a child or teenager in crisis and need help immediately, please consult one of the following toll-free national hotlines or contact your local police or emergency services. All hotlines are free. Resources: Boys Town National Hotline (1.800...
It's important for parents and other adults to provide children who have been sexually abused with the support and resources they need to heal and recover. The sexual abuse of a child can be devastating for both the child and the family, but help is available for both. Children are resilient and...
You can help a child who has sexual behavior problems. If you know a child and youth who demonstrates sexual behavior problems, you can help them to learn new healthy and safe behaviors. It's important for parents and other caregiving adults to act promptly to address a young person's sexual...
If you are an adult survivor of child sexual abuse you may face many challenges as you engage in the recovery process and heal. The tasks of daily life may sometimes be a trigger for you. You may experience problems with common activities and relationships that other adults who were not sexually...
If you are someone whose sexual thoughts or behaviors about children concern you, and/or put children at risk for sexual abuse, there is help available for you so that no child is harmed. Stop It Now! asks all adults to be accountable and take responsibility for their behavior. When an adult who is...
Anyone whose life has been affected by child sexual abuse usually finds themselves seeking professional counseling for their child, for their self or for someone else they care about. If you are in that position now, you know that sometimes it can be confusing and overwhelming when beginning to...
As a parent, finding out that your child has been sexually abused is often the worst experience you’ll have. It’s understandable that any parent whose child has been harmed will go through many of their own difficult feelings. One of the primary ways to help your child heal and recover is to...
When you have a question regarding your child's legal rights or you are struggling in an ongoing legal situation pertaining to your child's safety, it's important to have access to reliable legal and advocacy resources. Resources: Victim Connect (National Center for Victims of Crime) Directory...
Social media and the internet offer kids many opportunities for education, entertainment and connection. It has become a part of our everyday lives and a necessary component in many ways, even for young children. It goes beyond the computer, accessible through mobile devices, gaming platforms and...
Children’s safety in school, camps, sports, and in other extracurricular activities is more likely assured when organizations, staff, and parents learn about the steps and resources they can take to create a safer environment. Providing children with healthy sexuality education and actions they can...
Creating safe environments for student athletes in both competitive and leisure sports activities is possible when all adults, including parents and those in athletic youth-serving programs, commit to learning warning signs when codes of conduct are breached, how to speak up when there is a concern...
You can learn to recognize typical behaviors. If you are a parent or work with children, learning about sexual development is key to preventing child sexual abuse. You can learn to recognize typical behaviors -- as well as the concerning behaviors that need intervention. You can learn to talk to...
Child Molestation Research and Prevention Institute (CMRPI) Book list for parents, professionals, adults with sexual behavior concerns, adults sexually abused as children and their partners. The Safer Society Foundation Free catalog specializing in sexual abuse prevention and treatment publications.
What Is Considered Child Sexual Abuse? If you are not exactly sure what sexual abuse is, you’re not alone. All sexual touching between an adult and a child is sexual abuse. Sexual touching between children can also be sexual abuse. Sexual abuse between children is often defined as when there is a...
If you suspect a child is being sexually abused, getting the proper help and support is vital. Typically, the situations that require reporting are: A child and/or adult shows numerous and consistent warning signs of abuse or being at risk to abuse A child has stated that they are being abused by...
NOTE: These tip sheets provide parents and caregivers of children with disabilities the information they need to keep their child safe from sexual abuse. Every child, disability, means of communication, and family situation is unique. Use this information with your situation in mind. This is a lot...
Choosing a school or program is one of the most complicated and emotional decisions you have to make as a parent. The specific activities, the schedule, the costs, how it matches your child’s needs and interest-- all these things play a part in your decision. Whether or not the school has a child...
Children learn best in safe environments. Most child care providers and teachers know that protecting children from physical harm includes taking actions such as monitoring stairway entrances. But what about keeping children safe from sexual harm? What actions can be taken then? Protecting Children...
Social media and the internet offer children and youth many opportunities for education, recreation, and socialization. It has become a part of our everyday lives and a necessary component in many ways, even for young children. There are many fun and positive experiences available for everyone,...