Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under
research shows.
Studies also show that as many as 40% of children who are sexually abused are abused by older, or more powerful children, though abuse is usually perpetrated by adults.
When it comes to preventing child sexual abuse and teaching children about healthy sexual relationships, parents are the most influential and their voice has the most impact on a child's view of sex.
To prevent sexual abuse from happening to your child:
Teach your children from a young age the names of all their body parts. Let them know that
no means no, and nobody is allowed to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared.
Foster loving relationships with your children and your spouse.
Research shows that children who do not live with both parents as well as children living in homes marked by parental discord, divorce, or domestic violence, have a higher risk of being sexually abused.
Children and teens that experience secure, loving relationship at home are less likely to be coerced or exploited by others.
Sometimes children are hesitant to bring up the topic of sex with their parents or inappropriate touching. Let your children know that they can always talk to you, even if they feel embarrassed or scared.
Get to know your child's friends and dates. One of the greatest risk factors for adolescents (especially those 12-14 years old) is to date an older individual.
Teach your children that sometimes people we think are good guys may really be bad guys and get to know your child's friends' parents and their date's parents also.
Be aware of sexualized clothes, toys, characters in children's movies
and try to avoid them as much as possible. For "a comfortable way for parents to empower their young kids with their first internal filter," click the image below.
Finally, children and teen are often at risk during unsupervised time after school.
So, please think of ways to assure your child's safety during this time. Be cautious of allowing your child to spend time away from you in the company of only one other adult or child. When other children and adults are around, they can serve as checks and balances.
Resources for parents
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