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The Family Tree Responds to Child Sexual Abuse Crisis

Education - Key to Prevention

• The odds that a child will be sexually abused by the time they are 18 are one in four for girls and one in eight for boys (National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information).
• 90 percent of the time, the child knows and trusts the person committing the abuse. The offender can be a family member, neighbor, coach, family friend or baby sitter.
• Parents need to regularly talk to their children about how to protect themselves from inappropriate language and touching that could lead to sexual abuse. This will give them the knowledge they need to protect themselves, and help them feel more open and secure about divulging abuse if it occurs.
• It is critical for parents and caregivers to educate themselves about the warning signs to look for in their children, as well as questionable behaviors in adults.
• As parents, we need to be aware of sexual abuse the same way we are aware of talking to our kids about strangers or saying no to drugs and alcohol, or even knowing the symptoms for chicken pox.
• Do not expect your child will just tell you they have been abused. Their offenders are experts at scaring their victims into silence. They threaten to harm them or their family members, or tell them what they are doing is normal but a secret.
• Remember, sexual abuse is against the law. If your child shows any warning signs of abuse, you need to seek immediate legal action and treatment. The more quickly you get your child into treatment, the sooner they can begin to recover and overcome the trauma of being sexually abused. Early treatment will help reduce the risk that your child will develop more serious problems in the future.
• It is the responsibility of everyone to make sure that children are kept safe from abuse. Even if your children are not at risk, you should keep a keen eye on events in your neighborhood. If you have reason to suspect child sexual abuse, do not hesitate to contact the police. You may be the only chance that child has.  

Providing Solutions. Preventing Child Abuse.