Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that can have long-lasting effects on victims.
It is more common than we think and according to a survey, 90% of people sexually exploiting children are known to the children or are people whom the children trust.
It is important to be aware of the signs of sexual abuse so that you can teach your child to be safe over sorry and protect your child from becoming a victim.
There are many ways to protect your child from sexual abuse, and it is important to use as many of them as possible.
1. Educate them about sexual abuse
One way to protect your child is to educate yourself and your child about sexual abuse. This means talking about what sexual abuse is, how to identify it, and how to report it.
I know that sex and sexual abuse are delicate topics that aren’t easy to talk about, but it’s important to have these conversations. Talk to your child about sex in age appropriate manner. Have an open conversation about sexual abuse. Define sexual abuse. Start by explaining in simple terms what sexual abuse means. Help your child understand that it involves inappropriate and non-consensual touching or behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. If your child as asks your “Mumma, what’s rape”, don’t shy away from answering this question. Talk to your child about rape in an age appropriate manner.
2. Let them know they can come to you
Make sure your child knows they can come to you with anything, no matter what it is. This will help them feel comfortable coming to you if they ever experience anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. Whether it’s an inappropriate comment, a touch that feels wrong, or any other situation that raises red flags, they need to know that they can trust you to listen, believe them, and take appropriate action.
They should also know that they can come to you if they see something happening to someone else. It’s important that they know it’s not their fault and that they can tell you about it without getting in trouble.
By creating an environment where your child feels safe, supported, and free from judgment, you empower them to speak up and seek help when needed. The goal is to empower your child and ensure they understand that you are there to protect them, advocate for them, and address any situation that may compromise their safety. Remember shame and family secrecy impacts on handling child sexual abuse negatively.
3. Teach them about good touch and bad touch
You can help your child identify sexual abuse is to teaching them about good touch and bad touch.
Good touch refers to physical contact that feels pleasant and appropriate, such as a loving hug from a parent, a comforting pat on the back, or a high-five from a friend. It’s important to emphasize that good touch usually occurs with the consent and understanding of both parties involved.
On the other hand, bad touch refers to any physical contact that feels uncomfortable, invasive, or inappropriate. This includes situations where someone touches your child’s private parts without their consent, attempts to engage them in sexual activities, or coerces them into keeping secrets. Teaching your child to recognize and trust their instincts when they feel uncomfortable or violated is crucial.
By helping them understand the difference between these two types of physical contact, you empower them to recognize and respond appropriately to any uncomfortable situations they may encounter. To encourage open dialogue, let your child know that they can come to you immediately if they experience any form of bad touch. Assure them that you will believe and support them, and that they will not be in trouble for sharing such information.
4. Teach boundaries and bodily autonomy
It’s important for your child to know about boundaries and bodily autonomy. This means that they have the right to say no to anyone, regardless of who that person is if they don’t want to be touched. They also have the right to their own body and should never be forced to do anything with it they don’t want to do. Help your child recognize that they have control over their own body and that they have the right to decide who can touch them and how. Encourage them to trust their instincts and speak up if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, reminding them that their feelings and boundaries are valid.
Teach your child about the importance of consent and make it clear to your child that they never have to do anything with their body that they don’t want to do. Reinforce the message that their body belongs to them, and they have the right to keep it safe and respected.
5. Protect them from potential abusers
There are many ways to protect your child from potential abusers. Some of these include:
- Never leaving them alone with someone you don’t know or trust
- Teaching them to go nowhere with someone they don’t know
- Not letting them accept gifts from strangers
- Teaching them to never keep secrets from you
- If you follow these tips, you can help protect your child from sexual abuse.
However, it’s important to remember that no one can completely prevent sexual abuse from happening. If you think your child might be a victim of sexual abuse, trust your instincts and get help immediately.
