Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Essential Tips for Parents

Child sexual abuse is more prevelant than ever with the improvement of technology and the access of unsafe spaces. Below i've labeled some tips I found to be most effective and are backed by research.

Identifying signs of abuse

By identifying signs of sexual abuse in children, we can create a better future for our children after they are victimized.

• Changes in behavior

• Regression

• Abnormal agression

• Spontaneous behavior

• Anxiety

• Inappropriate sexual knowledge

  
  

Open Communication is Key

Safe spaces is one of the most important ways in which will allow a child to open up about their experiences. By creating a safe space for them to communicate, it can allow them to heal properly.

• Encourage questions

• Interact with them and play

• Listen actively

  
  

Teaching Children About Boundaries

Teaching boundaries is essential for prevention of future victimization. It allows them to better understand when there is not a safe space or when there is a suspiscous person speaking with them.

Building a Support Network

Strong networks and good influences is a great way to keep a child occupied but also give them trusted adults who they feel safe around. Teaching them that adults can be trusted and re-instilling that trust can be extremely beneficial.

Engaging with the Community

Getting the child involved with activites and programs in the community is a good way to heal a child from what they have experienced but also help re-shape broken thought's our personal perseptions.

Setting Up Parental Controls

Parental controls are a great way to help monitor your childs activity on social media or on technology as a whole. It blocks off sensitive content and reinforces content that is age appropriate.

Avoid Leading Questions

When your child opens up, let them explain everything with no interuptions or leading questions. Make them feel like they are in control of the conversation and allow them to know you are listening and want to help.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes seeking professional help from medical providers, social workes, or therapists can be extremely beneficial. They can give you ideas on what you can do or suggest ways in which to get your child involved in activities.