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A child's safety is an adult's job
Even the most trusted adults can't always be trusted. Coaches, teachers, and parent are authority figures children feel they can trust. Yet a large number of sexually abused children come from this group. These are adults "groom" children with affection and attention, making it difficult to identify.
It's important to learn the facts and understand the risks.
Realities-non trust- should influence your decisions regarding your child.
"We live in a great neighborhood. No one in our neighborhood could be targeting my child."
Experts estimate that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. This means in any classroom or neighborhood there are children who are silently being abused.
Only one in ten children report abuse.
The median age of reported sexual abuse is nine years old.
34% of victims are abused by family members.
People who abuse children look and act just like everyone else. In fact, they go out of their way to appear trustworthy to gain access to children.
Those who sexually abuse children are drawn to settings where they can gain easy access to children, such as sports leagues, faith centers, clubs and schools.
93% of all victims know their abusers.
Minimize Opportunity
More than 80% of sexual abuse cases happen in one-adult/one-child situations.
Avoid placing your child alone with one adult. Look for group situations instead.
Drop in unexpectedly when your child is alone with any adult.
Monitor your child's use of the internet. Pedophiles often interact privately with children trying to lure them into physical contact.
Understand that abusers often become friendly with potential victims and their families, enjoying family activities and earning family trust.
Talk about it openly
Understand that children won't tell...
Children are afraid of hurting their parents.
Children are afraid of disrupting the family.
The abuser sometimes threatens the child or family member.
The abuser shames the child, points out that she/he let it happen, or tells her that her parents will be angry.
Some children are too young to understand what has happened. Many abusers will tell children that the abuse is okay or it is a game.
Know how children communicate.
Children who disclose sexual abuse often tell a trusted adult.
Children often tell parts of what happened to gauge an adults reaction.
Children will often shut down and refuse to tell if an adult responds emotionally or negatively.
Communicate with your child
Teach your child that it is against the rules for adults to act in a sexual way with children.
Talk to your child about her body, about what abuse is and as age appropriate about sex.
Start early and talk often.
Signs and Symptoms
Physical signs of sexual abuse are not common, although redness, rashes or swelling in the genital area should be investigated.
Emotional and behavior signs are more common. Behavior that is too perfect to withdraw and depression to anger and rebellion.
Sexual behavior and language that is not age appropriate can be a red flag.
Be aware that in some children there are no signs whatsoever.
KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
If you suspect that a child is being abused or have reasonable suspicion of child abuse it is crucial to report the crime to Child Protective Services. Call the child abuse hotline. 1-800-752-6200.
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