HomeServicesMan of ValourDomestic ViolenceAbout UsContactEvangelist Cassaundra Wilkins
DV and ChildrenSurvivor's GuideDomestic Violence StatsPreventing Child Sexual Abuse
 Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: The duty of every responsible adult 

Even if you think you don't know what to do, there is just absolutely no excuse for not preventing child sexual  abuse.  

Today, it starts with YOU!  Today you are going to realize just how much power you really have!  The first thing for you to understand is that some of the people that we trust the most can't always be trusted.  Surprising ha?  yeah, you would think that individuals such as coaches, teachers, clergy, relatives, parents, godparents, etc, could be trusted around our children, but unfortunately, a large percentage of individuals from this group sexually abuse children. Yes, it is those individuals we put the most confidence in that cause us to let our guards down, who might be the perpetrators of child sexual abuse. Often times they are right under our nose, and because a child has been so manipulated, we often don't hear about the abuse until the awful acts of sexual abuse have already been committed. 

You might wonder why the child just doesn't tell.  Its often because the abuser has shamed the child, causing him or her to feel guilty.  Additionally, the abuser may have threatened a family member, and the child thinks they are protecting you.  Children are also afraid that if they tell, especially if the pertpetrator is close to the family, that the information would disrupt the family or they might not be believed.

LEARN THE FACTS:

  • 1 in 5 children are sexually solicted while on the internet.
  • Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults occur to children age 17 and unders.
  • The median age of reported sexual abuse is 9 years old.
  • Approximately 20% of victiims of sexual abuse are under the age of 8.
  • Most child victims never report the abuse.
  • 30-40% of children sexually abused are abuse by a family member.
  • Almost 60% of those abused are abused by a person trusted by their family members.
  • Roughly 40% are abused by older bigger children.
  • People who abuse children like and act just like anyone else.
  • People who abuse children are drawn to locations where they can gain easy access to children.  Such as, playgrounds, churches, schools, sporting leagues, etc.
  • Approximately 40% of sex offenders report sexual abuse as children.
  • More than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in one on one adult/child situations.

PREVENTION STRATEGY: 

  1. Insist on visible child abuse policies from youth groups, clubs, churches, or any child friendly association that has regular contact with children. 
  2. Insist that anyone working directly with children complete screening procedures such as child protection registry clearances. 
  3. Develop open communication with your child so that they will feel comfortable talking to you about anything.
  4. If a child reports sexual abuse act on it immediately.
  5. Limit one on one adult/child situations:
  • Choose group situations/activities when possible.
  • Drop in unexpectedly when the child is alone with an adult; such as during tutoring sessions, instrument practice...
  • Make sure outings are observable.
  • Find out as much detail about the activity the adult has planned with the child. If the adult can't be specific, think of that as a red flag.
  • Be direct.  Tell the adult who will be caring for the child that you have been educated about sexual abuse.  This will make him or her feel uneasy and might keep them from instituting their plan for abuse.
  • If one on one adult/child situation can't be avoided, make sure that the door is always open.  Door closing should be prohibited at all times!
  • Monitor the child's behavior and mood when he or she returns. 
Visit the National Sex Offender Registry
www.nsopw.gov/Core/Portal.aspx

 

 

Facebook
Email

Site Powered By
   Church Webs
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse