Protecting children starts with us.
Abuse is perpetuated by a number of factors that we are working to change. We cannot protect children if we do not have the knowledge and conviction to prioritize their safety and well being.
Naivete
Protective adults are often not aware how prevalent child sexual abuse is and that most abuse is committed by those known to the family, not strangers. If pediatricians are not talking to parents, schools are not offering body safety education, and communities lack support for local organizations working to raise awareness, it is unlikely that parents and caregivers will have access to the necessary information and support to protect and empower children.
Willful Blindness
Those that are aware, but consciously choose to believe that it could not happen in their family or organization. Rather than take steps to protect children, they unintentionally create an atmosphere that enables abuse and if abuse occurs, may purposely work to shield the abuse in order to protect appearances.
Fear
Adults that are too uncomfortable to think about sexual abuse, and therefore avoid learning about prevention and talking about it with other adults and children. They may want to protect their children but struggle to motivate themselves to take the first steps.
The Good News
Protecting children from sexual abuse is, in reality, an amazing way to help raise more confident, caring, and respectful children. When children are educated and protected from sexual abuse they often have higher self esteem, a stronger understanding of consent and what constitutes loving relationships, and consequently have the compassion to treat others with respect. Not only that, all the ways we empower children against sexual abuse helps to strengthen the bond we have with our children, building up invaluable resilience to navigate a multitude of life’s challenges.
