The most effective prevention happens before a child is harmed. Kids are immediately safer when parents and caregivers take the time to learn about sexual abuse and its warning signs. Parents and caregivers who make a commitment to speak up as soon as they have a concern, instead of waiting for...
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The Facts About Child Sexual Abuse Surveys of adults reveal that as many as one in three girls and one in six boys have been sexually abused before the age of eighteen. And the trauma of sexual abuse can affect the emotional and physical health of those children for the rest of their lives. Nine...
If you are concerned about the safety of a child, we encourage you to trust your gut feelings. Sometimes vague feelings of discomfort or the sense that “something just isn’t right” can be an indication that something less visible is occurring in the background. Please take time to explore the...
It can be hard to acknowledge that all of us, even children, are sexual beings, have sexual feelings and are curious about sex and sexuality. Children’s curiosity can lead to exploring their own and each other’s body parts by looking and touching. They may peek when family members are in the...
Any one sign doesn't mean that a child was sexually abused, but the presence of several suggests that you begin asking questions and consider seeking help. Keep in mind that some of these signs can emerge at other times of stress such as: During a divorce Death of a family member or pet Problems at...
Experience has taught us that actions by adults can be more effective than expecting kids to protect themselves from sexual abuse. Still, we know that children also need accurate, age-appropriate information about child sexual abuse and confidence that adults they know will support them. Clear...
For Parents Of Children With Disabilities 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...
Faith communities offer children wonderful opportunities to develop spiritually and to be part of a larger, caring community. Close caring relationships with adults are an important protective factor for children. Families who are struggling often particularly need the friendship and informal...
Summer often means new activities and increased independence for children as they try new summer programs, go to day or overnight camps, or even spend extended visits with family or friends. Recent headlines are a good reminder as we make summer plans for children that adults need to be educated,...
Talking To Coaches Who Show Inappropriate Interest In Kids Too often, the news carries stories about a bus driver, teacher, or even coach who sexually abused a child, stories that leave us wringing our hands. And yet, how many of us know what to watch out for or how to talk to our child when the...
Do you need help? If you are wondering about your own sexual thoughts and behaviors toward children, we encourage you to answer these questions honestly. They are designed to help you decide whether you may need help. Take a few minutes to ask yourself the following fifteen questions. If you answer...
A neighbor tells you about a “pedophile down the street,” you learn of a “sexual predator” who’s a member of your faith community, the local paper reports on “child molesters hanging around” at your kid’s school. What can you do? You thought your neighborhood was pretty safe. Suddenly, your sense...
Bringing up concerns about a child’s sexual behavior to his or her parents may feel awkward and even scary, but when you become aware of a child engaged in unhealthy sexual activity, it’s time for action steps. Parents who can work together and communicate concerns they have about children are...
The beginning of the school year is a great time for adults to review their understanding of the Four R’s of preventing child sexual abuse—Rules, Read, Respect, and Responsibility—and to get back to the basics of nurturing kids. Prevention promotes healthy behaviors rather than waiting to punish...
Someone you care about may be acting in ways that worry or confuse you. The behaviors below may indicate a possible risk of sexual abuse to a child, but may also be a way for this adult to ask for help. Many people with sexual behavior problems believe that others already suspect and often wish...
More than a third of all sexual abuse of children is committed by someone under the age of 18. Children, particularly younger children, may take part in inappropriate interactions without understanding how it might be hurtful to others. For this reason, it may be more helpful to talk about a child’...
We all have personal likes and things that make us uncomfortable. “Personal space” is the private area of control inside an imaginary line or boundary that defines each person as separate. Ideally, that boundary helps us stay in charge of our own personal space. It helps keep out the things that...
For Parents Of Children With Disabilities *Program settings refer to residential, educational and recreational programs in which your child might be involved Note: These tip sheets provide parents and caregivers of children with disabilities the information they need to keep their child safe from...
A Summer Of Happy Memories You’re sending your children off to summer camp – for the day, the week or maybe longer. You’ve applied sunscreen and packed enough warm clothes. What else can a parent do to make sure their summer is filled with happy memories? Most camps and summer recreation programs...
Prevention steps can be taken at any time – before there is a concern that a child is being sexually abused to re-establishing safety to prevent further abuse. By becoming educated about child sex abuse, you are already becoming a proactive and protective adult. Everyone can take steps to prevent...
Prevention steps can be taken at any time – before there is a concern that a child is being sexually abused to when safety needs to be re-established to prevent further abuse. By becoming educated about child sex abuse you are already becoming a proactive and protective adult. Everyone can take...
Prevention steps can be taken at any time – before there is a concern that a child is being sexually abused to re-establishing safety to prevent further abuse. By becoming educated about child sex abuse, you are already becoming a proactive and protective adult. Everyone can take steps to prevent...
These guidelines can help you create an environment to better protect your family from sexual abuse. By understanding what puts children at risk of sexual abuse, we can take actions to counter those risks. Together we can create a community safety net with information and assistance to protect...
For Parents Of Children With Disabilities 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...
Puede ser difícil aceptar que cada uno de nosotros, incluso los niños, seamos seres sexuales, tengamos instintos sexuales y tengamos curiosidad acerca del sexo y la sexualidad. La curiosidad de los niños puede manifestarse en ellos al mirarse y tocarse para explorar su propio cuerpo y/o el de otros...