Teaching your children how to avoid sexual abuse is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before crossing a street. All children should know how to protect their own bodies from sexual abuse.
Your children need to know
- Their bodies belong to them – No one should touch them without their permission. There is one time when it’s OK for a child to say “no” to an adult or an older child. That is if an adult is touching a part of their body that is private or asks them to touch the adult’s private parts.
- There are different kinds of touching – Teach your children about touch that is good (like friendly or comforting hugs), touch that hurts (like hitting or pinching) and touch that makes them feel uncomfortable (touching their private parts).
- They can ask a trusted adult if they are not sure what is right. Your child’s best protection is to be able to talk to you about things they don’t understand.
- They can tell a trusted adult about anyone’s behavior that makes them uncomfortable. Tell your children they should keep on telling until they find an adult who listens to them and believes them.
- They should not keep bad secrets. Abuse cannot take place unless it is kept a secret. Your children should know the difference between good secrets and bad secrets. A good secret is fun and exciting when it is found out later, like a surprise party. A bad secret is about something that someone has done wrong that they don’t want you to tell anybody. Tell your children it is important to tell bad secrets to trusted adults.
If your child tells you about something or someone that makes them afraid or uncomfortable
- Believe your child. It is important for your child’s safety and emotional well-being that you support them when they talk to you about feeling fearful or uneasy being around someone. Listen, learn why and respect your child’s feelings.
- Take action to immediately protect your child. Make whatever changes are necessary to prevent abuse from happening to your child.
- If something has happened, help your child understand that it is not his or her fault. An abuser may tell children they will get in trouble if they tell. In contrast, be open to your child and let them know that you do not blame them in any way.
- Report the abuse. Contact local law enforcement or Texas Child Protective Services (CPS). Sexual abuse is a crime.
- Get professional help. Make sure your child’s case is handled by specially trained professionals who have experience working with child victims.
- Get a medical exam right away for your child. Even if your child appears unhurt, it is important to test for transmitted disease or unseen injuries.
The best prevention is a good connection. Be a person your children can trust and talk to. Show them you believe them and will protect them from harm.
Victim Intervention Program/Rape Crisis Center
214-590-2926
Crisis line: 214-590-0430
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The services of licensed counselors and experienced staff are free to Dallas County residents.