Talk to them.

Child sexual abuse is a crime of secrecy.  An important aspect of child sexual abuse prevention is effective communication skills. 

Unfortunately, only about 1 in 10 children who have been sexually abused report it.  A child who has been sexually abused will often keep the secret for years or even decades.  Sexual abuse is a crime of secrecy, and offenders will rely on this secrecy to continue abuse.  Often a child may not have the language to report sexual abuse, may not know that their personal boundaries have been crossed, or may not feel as though they have a trusted adult they can talk to. 

Research shows that an educated child is more likely to deter an offender, because an educated child is more likely to break the silence.  It is important that we talk to our children and educate them about their bodies, about healthy boundaries, and about safe and unsafe touches.  For more information on how to talk to your children and what topics to address, read communicating healthy boundaries to your children.

Show them.

Be a role model for your child.  Demonstrate how a healthy relationship should be.  If you are not in a healthy relationship, helping yourself will also help your family.  Numerous resources exist to get you in healthy relationships.

  • The Family Tree's Family Stress Line is (800) 243-7337.  It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • The House of Ruth can provide resources and shelter for Domestic Violence.  Their 24 hour hotline is (410) 889-7884