Preventing Child Abuse!
Preventing Child Abuse!
Nov 14th, 11
This incident points to the facts:
§ About 90% of the sexual abuse cases involve a person close and known to a child; stranger danger is real, but is a much smaller percentage of sexual abuse cases.
§ Abuse can happen to any child, regardless of socio-economic levels.
§ We all have a role to play in the development of our children and that includes becoming involved in situations where children’s well-being is or can be jeopardized.
§ Situations such as this in a child’s life could result in life-long adversities including a greater potential for mental health and health issues, substance abuse, delinquency and criminal behavior and that costs our nation $104 billion to remediate when abuse and neglect is not prevented.
§ These allegations are not the end of the story, we should ask many questions and share the lessons learned.
§ We need to take action.
What can YOU do to help prevent child sexual abuse? Here are some concrete steps:
§ Take an active role in children’s lives. Parents and caregivers need to know the activities in which children are involved, as well as the people in their children’s lives. Talk to your children to stay abreast of what they are doing and with whom.
§ Take time to educate yourself about child sexual abuse. Visit www.pcaky.orgor www.darknesstolight.org Both organizations have information about child sexual abuse and can provide training to your group.
§ As you educate yourself, make sure you familiarize yourself with the “red flags” a child may be sexually abused. The signs vary from physical symptoms like trouble going to the bathroom, to emotional signs including depression or anxiety to behavioral signs including acting out sexually or self-destructive behavior. No two children are the same –signs and symptoms can vary. The more you educate yourself, the better able you will be to help a child.
§ If a child discloses sexual abuse to you --Believe the child - children usually don’t make up stories of sexual abuse. Get help for the child. Call Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky at 1-800-CHILDREN so we can direct you to local resources.
§ Teach children when not to keep secrets –help children understand the difference between secrets and surprises. Help children to understand no one has the right to touch them if they don’t want to be touched.
§ Report it! Always err on the side of protecting a child. To report suspected child abuse in Kentucky call 1-877-597-2331.
For more information on child abuse prevention and how to get involved, contact:
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky
300 East Main Street – Ste. 110
Lexington, KY 40507
1-800-CHILDREN
