NCJ Number
154406
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This booklet is designed as an aid for parents in teaching their children knowledge and behaviors that will help them avoid and deal with potential and actual situations of sexual abuse.
Abstract
Parents are taught to help their children feel more secure by instructing them how to recognize possible abuse before it happens, how to say "No" to potential abusers, and how to get help. A section on facts about child sexual abuse includes this definition of child sexual abuse: "Child sexual abuse is any sexual contact with a child under the age of eighteen." Data on the frequency, patterns, and effects of child sexual abuse are also presented. Information on what parents should teach their children to help prevent sexual abuse focuses on the child's "being special," ownership of one's body, "feelings" about uncomfortable situations, "touching," saying "No," "secrets," the child's not being at fault for the sexual approaches of older people, and the importance of telling parents about any sexual approaches. An outline of what parents can do to prevent the sexual abuse of their children focuses on promoting the child's self-esteem, setting family safety rules, teaching the child to be assertive, and listening to the child. Other sections of the booklet address indicators that sexual abuse has occurred, how to help a child who has been abused, and where to call for help.