How to prevent?

Preventive steps parents can take to avoid child sexual abuse:

a) Protect your child

Be careful who you leave your child with and where you leave him/her. Remember abusers can be friends or family members as well as strangers

b) Understand the myth about strangers

It is a myth to think that only strangers will sexually abuse a child. Anyone who has access to children can abuse them. As such, it is important that you teach your child to recognise abuse and quickly tell a trusted adult about incidents of abuse.

c) Trust your child

Build a good relationship with your child so that (s)he is able to talk to you. Children rarely lie about sexual abuse. Small children cannot make up stories about people doing sexual things to them. They simply do not have enough knowledge to be able to make up such stories. Believe your child.

d) Your child is not to be blamed

Usually a child is too scared to tell you about being abused as the abuser is someone who has power or authority over him/her. The child could also be afraid that you will be angry with or blame him/her for what has happened. You would want him/her to trust you enough to tell you about any incidents that have occurred, including those involving love and sex with anyone. So learn to keep calm and convince your child that what happened is not his/her fault.

Safety rules that parents can teach children to help prevent or lessen the chance of sexual abuse:

  • The difference between safe and unsafe touches; what is appropriate physical affection.
  • The proper names for all their private parts; many children are not able to tell about the abuse because they don’t know the words to use.
  • Safety rules apply to all adults; not just strangers.
  • Their bodies belong to them and it is not okay for another person to touch their private parts.
  • It is okay to say No if someone tries to touch their body or do things that make them feel uncomfortable; no matter who that person is
  • They should not keep secrets about touching, no matter what that person says; if anyone touches them, tell and keep telling until someone listens!

Note:

  • You may want to include your conversation about personal safety rules when teaching children about fire safety, bike safety, or traffic safety.
  • You should role-play the above rules (lessons) several times. Do not expect children to memorize them.