We can prevent abuse.
While the issue of child sexual abuse may seem daunting, education and awareness are essential and effective in protecting children.
We know the abusers
With over 90% of abuse perpetrated by someone known, trusted, and often loved by the child, protective adults can reduce risk by raising awareness and addressing concerning behavior with those who live, play, and work directly with children.
Children need to know their rights
Giving children the understanding of appropriate/inappropriate behavior and having open communication about their bodies is essential to protecting them from those who take advantage of their naivety. By giving children the words to tell, we are enabling them to know we will believe them and that they have a right to speak up for themselves, no matter who is abusing them.
Minimizing opportunity is essential
By increasing supervision and reducing 1:1 situations (this includes children as well as adults) perpetrators have less opportunity to groom and abuse children.
Speaking up before we suspect abuse can protect children and adults
By addressing behavior that is inappropriate we not only send a message that we prioritize safety of children, we also reduce the chance of false accusations of misconduct.
