By Lora Jones
#1 – Be Aware of Where Abuse Happens
It seems abuse would likely occur beneath the cover of night in some secluded back alley, but that is not where most cases actually happen. Surprisingly, 75 percent of child 3exual abuse happens in the offender’s home or in the child’s own home. Most abuse of this type happens during after-school hours and is most prevalent in the summertime.
As a parent, it is important to understand when and where most instances of 3exual abuse occur so you can be extra vigilant. You should think carefully before leaving a younger sibling with an older sibling alone or allowing your child to play at a friend’s house when the parents are not home. You should also be aware of where your kid is at all times and monitor online activities to make sure she is not meeting up with strangers without your knowledge.
#2 – Teach Your Child Correct Anatomical Terms
Many parents feel embarrassed to teach their kids the correct anatomical terms or prefer cutesy terms, but failing to teach your children the right terms for their body parts is doing them a disservice. Kids who know more about their bodies are better equipped to accurately describe what someone else has done to them and where they have been touched. Some 3ex offenders avoid abusing children who know correct anatomical names for body parts because those kids have probably been taught about 3exuality and body safety by their parents.
#3 – Understand Most Abuses Are not Performed by Strangers
Did you know 93 percent of reported child 3exual abuse cases involve a perpetrator the victim knows? This statistic shows that teaching “stranger danger” is not nearly as important as teaching children to recognise when someone they know and trust is trying to engage in inappropriate and abusive behaviour. While it is still important to teach your little boy not to get into a car with a stranger, you should also consider the risk posed by others who regularly spend time with your child.
#4 – Establish Open Communication Based on Trust
If your little girl knows she can talk to you about anything without fear of embarrassment or punishment, she is more likely to confide in you if she is inappropriately touched. Work hard to maintain this line of communication as your daughter grows older. This will make it much easier for her to approach you if she has questions or concerns about what someone else is doing to her.
#5 – Conduct Background Checks on Babysitters, Piano Teachers/Other Teachers
Gone are the days when you could let a babysitter into your home without thoroughly investigating him or her (if those days ever truly existed). Performing a background check on potential babysitters or anyone else your child regularly spends time with alone is no longer considered over-protective by most people. Even if others think you’re strange, it is always better to be cautious when it comes to the safety of your kid.
#6 – Check Sex Offender Registries but Know Their Limits
3ex offender registries can be useful, but you should not let your kids roam freely around the neighborhood just because there are no registered 3ex offenders nearby. Most new convictions for 3ex offenses are committed by people who are not even on the registry.
#7 – Teach Your Child His Body Is His Own
Kids are more likely to go along with abuse if they do not understand they have control over what happens to their own bodies. Beginning at a young age, teach your offspring that they do not have to “deal with” unwanted kisses, hugs or even tickles. Help them understand that they always have the final say over who physically contacts them and that they should never put up with unwanted contact from others.
Learning how to keep kids safe from 3exual abuse is an important process for every parent to go through. Whether your little one is four years old or 18 years old, these important steps can help you keep her safe.
(First To Know)
