what should be done to prevent victimization of children in america?
How Can I Protect My Child From Sexual Assault?
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Sexual abuse tin happen to children of any race, socioeconomic group, organized religion or culture. There is no foolproof way to protect children from sexual abuse, but at that place are steps you can take to reduce this risk. If something happens to your kid, remember that the perpetrator is to blame—not you and particularly not the child. Below you'll observe some precautions you can have to aid protect the children in your life.
If your child is in firsthand danger, don't hesitate to call 911. If you aren't sure of the situation but you suspect the kid is existence harmed, you can take steps to gauge the situation and put an cease to the abuse.
Exist involved in the child's life.
Beingness actively involved in a child's life tin make warning signs of kid sexual abuse more obvious and help the child feel more comfortable coming to yous if something isn't right. If y'all see or hear something that causes concern, yous can take action to protect your child.
- Show interest in their day-to-day lives. Ask them what they did during the twenty-four hours and who they did information technology with. Who did they sit down with at lunchtime? What games did they play after school? Did they savor themselves?
- Get to know the people in your kid's life. Know who your kid is spending fourth dimension with, including other children and adults. Inquire your kid about the kids they go to school with, the parents of their friends, and other people they may see, such equally teammates or coaches. Talk about these people openly and ask questions so that your kid can feel comfy doing the same.
- Choose caregivers carefully. Whether it's a babysitter, a new school, or an afterschool activity, be diligent about screening caregivers for your child.
- Talk virtually the media. Incidents of sexual violence are oftentimes covered by the news and portrayed in boob tube shows. Ask your child questions well-nigh this coverage to start a conversation. Questions like, "Have you e'er heard of this happening before?" or "What would you lot do if you were in this state of affairs?" can signal to your child that these are important issues that they tin can talk about with y'all. Learn more about talking to your kids well-nigh sexual assault.
- Know the warning signs. Become familiar with the alert signs of kid sexual abuse, and find any changes with your kid, no matter how pocket-size. Whether information technology'southward happening to your child or a child yous know, you accept the potential to make a big difference in that person's life by stepping in.
Encourage children to speak up.
When someone knows that their vocalization will be heard and taken seriously, it gives them the courage to speak up when something isn't right. You can commencement having these conversations with your children as soon as they begin using words to talk about feelings or emotions. Don't worry if yous haven't started conversations effectually these topics with your kid—it is never too belatedly.
- Teach your child about boundaries. Allow your kid know that no one has the correct to touch them or make them feel uncomfortable — this includes hugs from grandparents or even tickling from mom or dad. It is important to let your child know that their body is their own. Just equally importantly, remind your child that they do non take the correct to touch someone else if that person does not desire to be touched.
- Teach your child how to talk near their bodies. From an early age, teach your child the names of their trunk parts. Didactics a child these words gives them the ability to come to you when something is wrong. Learn more about talking to children about sexual attack.
- Be bachelor. Ready fourth dimension aside to spend with your child where they have your undivided attention. Permit your kid know that they can come up to yous if they have questions or if someone is talking to them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. If they do come to you with questions or concerns, follow through on your word and make the time to talk.
- Let them know they won't go far problem. Many perpetrators use hole-and-corner-keeping or threats as a way of keeping children quiet virtually abuse. Remind your child frequently that they will non get in trouble for talking to you, no matter what they need to say. When they do come to you, follow through on this promise and avoid punishing them for speaking upwards.
- Give them the chance to raise new topics. Sometimes asking direct questions like, "Did yous have fun?" and "Was it a good time?" won't give you lot the answers you lot demand. Give your kid a chance to bring upward their own concerns or ideas past request open-ended questions like "Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?"
To speak with someone who is trained to assist, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.
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Source: https://www.rainn.org/articles/how-can-i-protect-my-child-sexual-assault