Child s3xual abuse is a form of abuse in which an adult uses a child for s3xual stimulation. It includes all s3xual touch between a child, an older child or adult.
S3xuality Education plays a vital role to help curb this act and the most effective prevention happens before a child is harmed. If you are concerned about keeping your child safe from s3xual abuse, here are few ways to go about it:
Define S3xual Abuse: Let your child know the meaning of s3xual abuse and how to know if anyone is trying to do such to them. This act does not have to involve penetration, force, pain, or even touching. Inform them that any touch that makes them feel scared, anxious or uncertain on any part of their body that would normally be covered is an abuse. Make it clear that s3xual abuse touch can also happen if they are touched with their clothes on.
Take Them Through Body Parts Lesson: Young kids must know the proper names of parts of the body. At least from age 3-4 and above. We all know the funny names we give to these parts, do not confuse them because what they are thought while growing up will protect them when they are alone.
Tell Them Not To Keep Unsafe Secrets: Be very clear with your kids that secrets about touch, favours, gifts, or time alone with anyone are not safe secrets. Their job is to tell you and other adults they trust instead of keeping it alone.
Listen To Them: It is very good to listen and pay attention to your kids because the rate at which children are been abused now is quite alarming and to help curb this act in our society, parents and teachers must be at alert.
No/Flee: Teach your child that they have the right to say no, flee or report anyone that is trying to abuse them. The majority of abusers tells their victims to keep what is happening to them a secret or threaten them from coming out to say the truth, so be their best friend. If you are, they will open up easily and tell you things.
Teach Safety Rules: For every parent, take your time to learn and teach your children safety rules. Like pushing someone’s hand away, ordering someone to stop, leaving as soon as you can and telling. Children are more likely to be able to take actions like these when they need to if they understand their safety rules.
