More very important ways on how to protect our children…

-Creating and lobby for policies reducing or eliminating
  one-adult/one-child situations in all youth-serving organizations, such as
  groups, sports teams, and school clubs. These policies should ensure
  that all activities can be interrupted and observed.
-Talk to program administrators about the supervision of older youth who
  have responsibility for the care of children.
-Insist on screenings that include criminal background checks, personal
  interviews, and professional recommendations for all adults who serve
  children. Avoid programs that do not use ALL of these methods. If you
  are an administrator, create these policies and share them with parents
  and staff.
-Ensure that youth-serving organizations have policies in place
  for dealing with suspicious situations and reports of abuse.
-Insist that youth-serving organizations train their staff and volunteer to
  prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

1 month ago  /  0 notes

Here are some ways we can protect our children and reduce the risk of child sexual abuse.

Here are some ways we can protect our children and reduce the risk of child sexual abuse.

-Always keep in mind that abusers often become friendly with potential
  victims and their families. They join in family activities, earn trust, and gain
  time alone with children.
-Think carefully about the safety of any one-adult/one-child situations.
  Choose group situations when possible.
-Think carefully about the safety of the situations in which older youth have
  access to younger children. Make sure that multiple adults are present who
  can supervise.
-Set an example by personally avoiding one-adult/one-child situations with
  children other than your own.
-Monitor children’s internet use. Allow children to use the internet only in
  common areas where they can be watched. Sex offenders visit chat rooms
  where children often visit. They ask for personal information, such as email
  addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers. Offenders use these
  methods to lure children into physical contact.

1 month ago  /  0 notes

Children who are sexually abused may

- Blame themselves for the abuse
- Suffer from depression and other mental illness
- Fear healthy affection
- Feel betrayed by their bodies
- Feel like they will never be “OK”
- Have physical illness and body sensations that feel traumatizing
- Live in constant secrecy
- Feel angry or even hostile
- Feel tremendous or personal shame
- Hate themselves
- Fear being in relationships, even friendships
- Startle easily
- Have nightmares or fear going to sleep
- Lose hope in goodness of humanity
-Doubt that they are worthy of being loved
-Abuse other kids their age or younger

1 month ago  /  0 notes

It is highly likely that you know a child who has been or is being sexually abused.

- 1 in 5 children are sexually solicited while on the internet.
- Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults, including those on adults occur
   to children ages 17 and younger.
- The median age for reported sexual abuse is 9 years old.
- Approximately 20% of the victims of sexual abuse are under age 8.
- Most child victims NEVER REPORT the abuse.
- Sexually abused children who keep it a secret or who “tell” and are not
   believed may be at greater risk than the general population for
   psychological, emotional, social, and physical problems often resulting
   into adulthood.
- An estimated 39 MILLION SURVIVORS of sexual abuse exist in America

1 month ago  /  0 notes

Child sexual abuse is a community problem. It is caused by more than a molester hurting a child. Child sexual abuse is also caused by the fear and denial of adults who are aware of a situation but choose not to act. It is our job to protect our children!

If you are unsure about whether to make an official report or just need support, contact a Children’s Advocacy Center. The staff will help you evaluate your suspicions and your next steps. To find a center near you, contact The National Children’s Alliance at www.nca-online.org or call 1800-239-9950

You can also find local community agencies, such as local hotlines, United Way offices, or a rape crisis center for help.

Darkness To Light 1866-FOR-LIGHT

Childhelp USA Child Abuse Hotline 1800-4-A-CHILD

These resources can help if you are unsure of whether abuse has occurred. THEY DO NOT SUBSTITUTE AN OFFICIAL REPORT.

1 month ago  /  0 notes