How to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

 

Learn the signs of abuse.

Know the physical as well as the behavioral and emotional signs of abuse of child sexual abuse. They include:

  • Fear of certain people or places
  • Incorporating sexual subject matter into drawing, writing or play
  • Extreme clinginess
  • Alluding to a secret between him/herself and an adult or older child

For a more detailed list, please read Possible Signs.

Learn the signs of abusers.

Abusers are not always strangers. In fact, in the majority of sexual abuse cases, the abuser is close to the family. Signs include:

  • Insistence on touching or showing child affection even when the child resists
  • High levels of interest in the sexuality of a particular child or teen
  • Requesting time alone with a child with no interruptions
  • Spending significant time with children or much younger teens, while having little interest in peers.

For a more detailed description, please read Possible Signs.

Maintain open lines of communication.

Let children know they can tell you anything. Only about one in 10 children who have been sexually abused report it. That's often because they are afraid of what will happen or don't have an adult they trust.

Have a plan.

Talk to children about who they should turn to if something bad happens. Agree on a safe place they should go. Ask the child to tell you who they trust and where they feel comfortable.

Teach children.

  • The correct names of private body parts. That way, any trusted adult can understand the child if abuse ever occurs.
  • Discuss which parts are considered private.Explain that others do not have the right to touch their private parts, and if anyone does, the child should tell you right away. Tell a child that they can and should say "no" if they feel uncomfortable.
  • The difference between an "appropriate" touch and an "inappropriate" touch. Don't, however, talk about "good" touch vs. "bad" touch. This can confuse children because a "bad" touch may feel good, or come from a person the child thinks is a good person.
  • The difference between secrets they may keep and secrets they should share with you. Encourage them to tell you if an adult or older child asks them to keep a secret from you.

 Minimize opportunity.

  • Be wary of situationsin which children may be alone with an adult or much older child.
  • If a child says or shows they're uncomfortable with someone, gently ask why in private.
  • Know who you are leaving your children with - only leave your children with trusted adults and older children
  • Know your neighborhood - review the Maryland Sex Offender Registry http://www.socem.info and call Maryland's toll-free Sex Offender Alert Line at 1-866-559-8017, where you can sign up for telephone notification any time a registered sex offender moves in your area.

Show them.

Be a role model for your child. Demonstrate how a healthy relationship should be.  If you are not in a healthy relationship, helping yourself will also help your family.  Numerous resources exist to get you in healthy relationships

  • The Family Tree's Family Stress Line is 800-243-7337. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
  • The House of Ruth can provide resources and shelter for Domestic Violence - their 24 hour hotline is 410-889-7884

If you suspect sexual abuse:

In Baltimore City, call 911 or Child Protective services at 410-361-2235.

Outside the Baltimore area, report it to the proper authorities. Call 911 or click here to review the list of local departments of social services.