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Six Easy Ways to Keep Your Children Safe

 

1. Learn the facts-

Abusers are not always strangers. In fact, in the majority of sexual abuse cases, the perpetrator is very close to the family. Learn how to identify the signs of abuse and abusers.

2. Know the Signs-

Physical signs of sexual abuse are not always present. Know how to identify behavioral and emotional signs of abuse. Does your child fear a specific person? Are they afraid to be left alone? Do they have nightmares? It could be nothing, or together, could be early indicators of abuse. Know what to look for.

3. Talk to Them!

Only 1 in 10 children who have been sexually abused actually report it. Often it is because they do not have an adult they trust. Let your children know it is okay to talk to you about anything, and that you will not get angry or upset if they think they made a mistake.

4. Minimize Opportunity-

Educated children are much harder targets for abuse. Teach your children about their own bodies, and the correct names of their body parts.  Teach them what is an inappropriate touch, not a "bad" touch, as this can be confusing for young children. Know who you are leaving your children with and let your child tell you if there is somene they do not trust. Believe them when they tell you they do not want to be alone with that person; there is probably a reason why.

5. Have a Plan-

Talk to your child about people who they can go to at any time if something bad happens. Establish a place where they can go where they feel safe if something bad happens. Let your child tell you who they trust or where they feel comfortable. This way, if something goes wrong, both you and your child have a place and a person where you know they can go and feel safe, and you can easily find them. Download BCAC's safety plan here.

6. Take Action-

Don't overreact if your child discloses something bad that has happened to them. Let them know that you are listening and that what they have to say is important. Refrain from asking them too many questions, as they may become confused or think they are in trouble. Report any incident immediately to the proper authorities. 911 or 410-361-2235, are both reporting lines.