How Can I Protect My Child From Sexual Assault?
How Can I Protect My Child From Sexual Assault?
While there is no sure-fire way to protect your child from all dangers, there are some steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of a sexual assault:
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
- Tell your children that you are always there to talk about anything. Tell them that you are there to help them solve problems and to protect them.
- Teach your children that it is against the “rules” for adults to act in a sexual way with children and use examples.
- Teach your children that their bodies are their own and that it is OK if they don't want a hug or other contact that might make them uncomfortable.
- Speak to your children about using the proper names for their body parts. Armed with information, children are better able to report abuse to you.
- Try to be relaxed when talking about these issues. If you are not tense while talking about these issues, then they are less likely to be worried about talking.
- Talk to your children about sex when they show interest or curiosity.
Teach your children that it’s OK to say no and it’s OK to leave the situation.
- Tell them that if someone does something to make them uncomfortable, they should tell that person that they are uncomfortable. Emphasize to them that if the person doesn't listen, doesn't stop, or continues to make them feel uncomfortable, they should tell someone— a parent, teacher, priest or other trusted adult.
- Tell them that if anyone touches them on the body parts that are covered by a bathing suit, then they should tell an adult they trust. Tell them that it is OK to say no and to leave the situation. Tell them that you can later figure out together if the person was trying to be helpful or not.
Trust your own instincts. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, follow-up.
- Call a hotline such as the Darkness to Light hotline that can connect you to resources in your community (1-800-FOR-LIGHT) or the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).
- Contact a local Children's Advocacy Center. They coordinate professionals who are there to help in a case (legal, social services, medical, etc.). To find a center near you contact the National Children's Alliance (1-800-239-9950).
Stay calm. If a child discloses abuse to you, or hints at possible abuse:
- Don't overreact.
- Believe the child and communicate that belief to him or her.
- Thank the child for telling you and praise his or her courage for speaking up.
- Emphasize that what happened to the child was not his or her fault and that the child did not deserve to be treated like that.
- Encourage the child to talk but don't push for or imply details. Ask questions such as, "what happened next?"
- Get professional help for the child.
- Tell the child that it is your responsibility to keep the child safe and that you will do the best you can to protect him or her.
- Report your suspicions of abuse to the local police or child protective services agency.
Tips for children to help prevent them from being abused:
- Check with a parent/guardian before accepting gifts or going anywhere with anyone.
- Hang out in groups. Try not to walk or go out alone.
- Trust your instincts.
- Don't feel compelled to keep secrets from your parents.
- If someone touches you inappropriately, say "no" loudly, get away and tell an adult.
- Dial 911 in emergencies.
- Know your full name, phone number, address and parents' phone numbers.
- Never give personal information online or meet online friends in person.
- Report scary or explicit emails.
- Have names and phone numbers of five trusted adults for emergencies.
For information about Internet safety, download A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety from the FBI. The materials are available in English and Spanish.
For information about warning signs for childhood sexual abuse visit The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also offers useful information for parents.
