Most offenders are known to the victim before the abuse happens
A small number of child sexual abuse offenders are strangers. Strangers can target children in a number of settings including parks, schools, swimming pools and online (text and internet). Things you can do to help keep children safer from sexual abuse by strangers: • Talk about what a 'stranger' is and that some people will use 'tricks' to make the child think that they are a safe' adult and not a 'stranger'. The tricks may be asking the child for help with a pet or directions, saying that there has been an emergency and that they will take the child home or in the case of an adolescent perpetrator, offering to be their friend.
• Remind the child that they are the boss of their body and your other family touching rules.
• Let them know it is OK to be impolite if someone is making them feel pressured or if they have any 'no' feelings (whether they know them or not).
• Make a short list of 'safe' adults who are allowed to collect the child from school and tell the child not to go with anyone else. Always make sure that both the school and the child know who will be collecting them.
• Do not write the child's name on the outside of their clothing, lunch box or school bag. The child is likely to feel that the person knows them if they use their name.
• Work out safety rules that apply at public places like the mall. What would your child do if they became separated from you while there? Teach younger children not to leave the mall with anyone. Encourage them to go into a shop and ask the shop assistant for help. Adapt these rules for other public places like swimming pools and talk to children old enough to use public toilets alone about locking toilet doors.
• Give them permission to say 'no' to someone even when they are offering them something, like a gift. Have a 'check first' rule that is based on the understanding that children must check with you first before accepting a gift or going anywhere with anyone.
• Reduce the risks involved in the use of the internet. From very young, teach your children never to give out personal information or send photos without checking with a caregiver first. Encourage them to always tell a parent if they receive any emails or photos that make them feel uncomfortable. Click here to find out about setting up a safer online experience for younger children.
Sourced from: www.parentsformeganslaw.org/public/prevention_childSexualAbuse.html,
http://stayathomemons.about.com/od/raisingyourchildren/a/Raise-Street_smart-Kids
• Remind the child that they are the boss of their body and your other family touching rules.
• Let them know it is OK to be impolite if someone is making them feel pressured or if they have any 'no' feelings (whether they know them or not).
• Make a short list of 'safe' adults who are allowed to collect the child from school and tell the child not to go with anyone else. Always make sure that both the school and the child know who will be collecting them.
• Do not write the child's name on the outside of their clothing, lunch box or school bag. The child is likely to feel that the person knows them if they use their name.
• Work out safety rules that apply at public places like the mall. What would your child do if they became separated from you while there? Teach younger children not to leave the mall with anyone. Encourage them to go into a shop and ask the shop assistant for help. Adapt these rules for other public places like swimming pools and talk to children old enough to use public toilets alone about locking toilet doors.
• Give them permission to say 'no' to someone even when they are offering them something, like a gift. Have a 'check first' rule that is based on the understanding that children must check with you first before accepting a gift or going anywhere with anyone.
• Reduce the risks involved in the use of the internet. From very young, teach your children never to give out personal information or send photos without checking with a caregiver first. Encourage them to always tell a parent if they receive any emails or photos that make them feel uncomfortable. Click here to find out about setting up a safer online experience for younger children.
Sourced from: www.parentsformeganslaw.org/public/prevention_childSexualAbuse.html,
http://stayathomemons.about.com/od/raisingyourchildren/a/Raise-Street_smart-Kids
