How to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Certainly, the sexual abuse of children needs to be stopped before it happens. To truly prevent child abuse, we need to create a society that respects children, protects them from harm, and shows them how to treat others in a positive and non-exploitive manner.

To support prevention, we can each:

• encourage the media to inform the public about child sexual abuse, 
• empower families to protect their children, 
• recognize those who may be likely to abuse children and direct them to appropriate services,
• and keep those who have a history of chronic abuse of children (and have not responded to treatment) away from children permanently. 
• become knowledgeable about the topic 
• report any good faith suspicions you may have to the authorities. By becoming knowledgeable, you might be more aware of potential sexual problems in others, including young children and teenagers, or recognize inappropriate behavior by adults. 
• ............Though there is never a guarantee that adults can protect children 100%, properly supervising children is a crucial way to help prevent child sexual abuse. Children who are not supervised well can become emotionally vulnerable and, in turn, fall prey more easily to those who offer affection, attention, and friendship.

What can a community do to prevent and treat sexual abuse?

Community members can advocate for well-trained protective services and police, public awareness campaigns about the causes and consequences of child sexual abuse, and adequate treatment programs both for those who have survived and for those who have commited child sexual abuse. Community members can also make a commitment to report any suspected incidents of abuse or neglect.

Source: Basic Facts about Child Sexual Abuse, Prevent Child Abuse America.

What You Can Do

If you suspect child sexual abuse, this may be a perfect opportunity to stop the abuse before it occurs.

• If you feel that an adult is being inappropriate with a child, you may want to talk to this adult about your concerns. You can let the individual know that the behavior is making the child and others uncomfortable and stress the importance of specialized treatment. Some people who have sexually abused have said that if they had been confronted by someone who cared about them, they might have stopped and looked for help.
• You may want to consider keeping a journal in order to document concerning behavior in an adult or a child. The journal should be specific, complete with date, time, and behavior that warrants concern.
• If you suspect child sexual abuse, you may want to bring the child to an expert in order to obtain a professional opinion on whether he or she is being sexually abused. You should be aware that in most states counselors are mandated reporters and will be required to notify the authorities if there are grounds to suspect that a child is endangered. For information on specialized treatment referrals, contact your regional Human Service Center.
• Finally, contact County Social Services or the police to report anything you suspect is child sexual abuse. Without help, the abuse will not stop. 

Disclosure and Your Response

If you have a feeling that sexual abuse may be occurring, what can you do?

Step One: Stay calm and ask gentle questions. In a gentle voice find out what happened. Remember to stay calm and ask simple and direct questions – know that confusion, guilt, and shame of the abuse can create fear for the child. Do not try to conduct an investigation. Trained professionals can talk to the child in a non-threatening way.

Step Two: Listen to the child. Listen to what the child is saying to you and listen to what is not said as well. Simple statements such as “I don’t like that babysitter to come over” or “Don’t leave me alone with those little kids” should be discussed further. If the child does not give you names, places or dates, do not suggest any.

Step Three: Reassure the child. Tell the child you believe him or her and you will do whatever you can to keep them safe. However, do not make promises that you cannot keep. The child may not tell you anything the first time. When they do talk to you, tell them they were brave to let you know what was going on and that you will be getting them help.

Step Four: Seek help. If the child was abused or may be abusing, there is help and support available through your regional Human Service Center.

Step Five: Make a report. To report suspected child abuse, contact your County Social Services office or law enforcement.

Source: Do Children Sexually Abuse Other Children? Talking With Your Children about Child Sexual Abuse, STOP IT NOW!