Preventing Abuse
Seven Steps to protecting our children:
Step 1) Learn the facts
- Understand the risks of the world we live in. Realities, not trusts, should influence your decisions regarding children. Abuse happens, and it can happen to someone you love.
Step 2) Minimize opportunity
- It’s hard as a caregiver to balance a child’s safety with their freedom and independence, but if you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations you will dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for children. Ask your schools, camps, and community groups about their policies, and be aware even with close friends and family. 90% of child victims are abused by someone they know, love, or trust.
Step 3) Talk about it
- Break down the barriers between you and your children by talking openly about abuse. Teach your children about body safety, reduce the embarrassment of talking about body parts, and let children know that you’re always there to help.
Step 4) Stay alert
- Don’t expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Be aware of changes in a child’s behavior and know the signs of abuse.
Step 5) Make a plan
- Teach yourself and your children where to go, who to call and how to react. Let caregivers know you and your child are educated on the subject of abuse and are prepared to act.
Step 6) Act on suspicions
- The well-being of a child is at stake.
Step 7) Get involved
- Volunteer and financially support organizations that fight child sexual abuse. There are many organizations in New Hampshire dedicated to helping children, including the Granite State Children’s Alliance and it’s network of Child Advocacy Centers. Click here to find out how you can help us.
These prevention tips are excerpted from “Seven Steps to Protecting our Children”, published by Darkness to Light.org. Click here to download the full copy.
