Protecting Children

As concerned adults, we want to protect children from sexual abuse, but we can't always be there to do that. We can, however, teach children about sexual abuse in order to increase their awareness and coping skills. Without frightening children, we can provide them with appropriate safety information and support at every stage of their development.
We can provide personal safety information to children in a matter- of-fact way, with other routine safety discussions about fire, water, health, etc. Although even the best educated child cannot always avoid sexual abuse, children who are well prepared will be more likely to tell you if abuse has occurred. This is a child's best defense. In order to protect children, teach them:

to feel good about themselves and know they are loved, valued and deserve to be safe

the difference between safe and unsafe touches

the proper names for all body parts, so they will be able to communicate clearly

that safety rules apply to all adults, not just strangers

that their bodies belong to them and nobody has the right to touch them or hurt them

that they can say "no" to requests that make them feel uncomfortable--even from a close relative or family friend

to report to you if any adult asks them to keep a secret

that some adults have problems

that they can rely on you to believe and protect them if they tell you about abuse

that they are not bad or to blame for sexual abuse

to tell a trusted adult about abuse even if they are afraid of what may happen