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7 Steps to Protecting our Children Child sexual abuse. It doesn't have to happen.
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Used with permission from Darkness to Light
Step 1: Learn the facts. Understand the risks.
Become aware of the significant threat that children face from child sexual abuse. Make decisions for children based on the facts of child sexual abuse rather than on level of trust in others.
Step 2: Minimize Opportunity.
If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one/child situations, you'll dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for your child.
Step 3: Talk about it.
Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about it.
Step 4: Stay alert.
Do not expect there to be obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Signs of sexual abuse are often present - but signs are often emotional or behavioral, not physical or verbal. It takes an alert adult to recognize these signs.
Step 5: Make a plan.
Learn where to go, who to call and how to react in the best interest of your child even if you have no suspicions that your child is being sexually abused. Formulating plans in advance can be of significant benefit to your child should abuse occur.
Step 6: Act on suspicions.
Being a silent bystander to sexual abuse could contribute to a lifetime of psychological and emotional problems for a child victim.
Step 7: Get involved.
Volunteer and financially support organizations that fight the tragedy of child sexual abuse. Use your voice and your vote to make your community a safer place for our children.
