How can parents safeguard children against sexual abuse?

 *How can parents safeguard children against sexual abuse?*

by Grown Ups Magazine 

It’s unrealistic to think a parent can be present with his or her child at all times: both parents and children need individual time and privacy. But parents need to be aware of children’s friends and activities. If the child is involved in athletics or organizations, parents should make sure that events are managed so that a child is never left alone with an adult. A parent’s presence at sporting events and other activities sends a message to possible abusers that the child is well monitored which presents an obstacle to abuse. Furthermore, individuals who sexually abuse children often have certain characteristics that a vigilant parent can pick up on. Asking to spend time alone with a child or breaking parent rules to gain the child’s favoritism are warnings that shouldn’t be ignored.

Perhaps the most important protection against sexual abuse is an ongoing and open dialogue with your child. Young children should be taught the difference between “good touch, bad touch.” A good way to teach this is by telling your child that no one should ever touch them in any area that a swimming suit covers. And nip secrecy in the bud by emphasizing that no one should ever ask a child to keep a secret from a parent. Instruct the child to tell you immediately if someone does so.

No parent wants to believe that their child is vulnerable to sexual abuse, but the statistics indicate otherwise. One in five children is sexually abused by the time they reach adulthood. Know the warning signs and what to help protect your child from becoming a statistic.