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Teach your children how to protect themselves.
Many parents and teachers are embarrassed to talk about this subject but sadly many thousands of children are damaged physically and mentally every year by sexual abuse. Sexual abuse affects a child for life. Although there is no going back to the way things were, with care and support there can be healing. It might seem easier to pretend that nothing has happened but it is important to listen and show you believe any accusation a child makes.
Advice for Parents and Teachers
- Always assure an abused child that he or she is not bad. What has happened to them is bad and not their fault.
- Always teach your children to say no!
- Always teach your child to know who to trust. Truth is very important and without truth there can be no trust.
- Always teach your child that no one should touch his or her private parts, except on a rare occasions for medical reasons or some similar and appropriate purpose.
- Children should always tell their parents or teachers where they are going.
- Teach your children that if someone asks them to keep a secret they should tell you about this and not keep a bad or inappropriate secret from you.
Childline www.childline.org.uk
Fresh Start—new beginnings Charity providing therapeutic service for children and young adults who have been sexually abused.
