Child Sexual Abuse: A Resource for Parents

Parents Can Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Knowledge about sexual abuse helps protect children. Lack of knowledge leaves children vulnerable. [1]

Why are PARENTS the right people to teach their children about sexual abuse?

PARENTS:

  • Influence children’s KNOWLEDGE and VALUES.

  • TEACH children the facts.

  • Have more influence on children’s decisions about sex than their friends. [2]

How do you talk to children about sexual abuse?

  • Start at an EARLY AGE. [3]

  • Keep discussions DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE, with an awareness of normal behaviors.

  • REPEAT the message. [4]

  • Promote HEALTHY SEXUALITY by teaching respect and value of body and

  • gender. [4]

  • Teach CORRECT NAMES FOR BODY PARTS, to reduce children’s vulnerability. [5]

  • Establish TOUCHING BOUNDARIES so children understand they can say “no” to unwanted touch. [5]

  • Establish PRIVACY RULES in the home and away from home.

  • Talk about SECRETS/TRICKS/THREATS that a perpetrator may use to keep children from telling. [6]

  • Educate children on VULNERABLE SITUATIONS, including social media and online activities.

  • Educate children BEYOND “STRANGER DANGER” because approximately 90% of sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child knows. [6]

  • Give children PERMISSION to tell about anything happening to them.

 What do you do if a child discloses sexual abuse?

  • Stay CALM and LISTEN to the child.

  • Tell the child you BELIEVE him/her and are glad they told you.

  • Tell the child that what happened is NOT THEIR FAULT.

  • REPORT THE DISCLOSURE to professionals for investigation and help.

  • DO NOT ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS. DO NOT CONDUCT YOUR OWN INVESTIGATION.

    ©2018 National Children’s Advocacy Center. All rights reserved.

REFERENCES

[1] Rosenzweig, J. (2012). The Sex-Wise Parent. New York: Skyhorse Publishing.

[2] Albert, B. (2012). One Voice 2012: America’s adults and teens sound off about teen pregnancy. Washington, DC: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

[3] Kenny, M. C. (2010). Child sexual abuse education with ethnically diverse families: A preliminary analysis. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(7), 981-989.

[4] Wurtele, S. K. (2010). Out of Harm’s Way: A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Young Children from Sexual Abuse. Seattle, WA: Parenting Press.

[5] American Academy of Pediatrics (2011). Parent tips for preventing and identifying child sexual abuse. Elk Grove Village, IL: Author. http://tinyurl.com/k6v6u98

[6] Stop It Now! (2015). Prevention Tools. http://www.stopitnow.org/help-guidance/prevention-tools

©2018 National Children’s Advocacy Center. All rights reserved.