Learn About Sexual Abuse and Educate Others
Child sexual abuse has existed in secret for years. With statistics like 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys becoming victims of child sexual abuse, it will take parents, policy makers, and community members working together to prevent this harm to children.
Speak Up!
Here is some information you can share with members of your community about sexual abuse:
- Of course, we all want to think it won't happen to us, but sexual abuse is not as rare as you'd like to believe; it affects 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys. Chances are you know someone who has been abused.
- Sexual abuse education is like teaching children any other safety rules.
- Talk to your children and be approachable; if a child seems afraid of a person or place don't ignore his/her fears, ask why.
- "Stranger danger" education is not enough; most sexual abuse is committed by someone the child knows.
- Visit your children when they are in the care of an adult or older youth, in order to limit uninterrupted alone time.
Share Positive Messages
Speaking positively about bodies and sexuality is a struggle for almost everyone. To help our children navigate what some have called a “sexually toxic” society, as caring adults we must:
- Model respectful and responsible relationships for our children
- Monitor our children's TV and internet use
- Encourage our children to challenge the messages and images they see in the media about sexuality and
body image
Promote Safe Policies
Insist that youth programs in your community enforce policies to reduce the risk of sexual abuse. Such policies include:
- Limiting one child/one adult situations
- Completing background checks on staff and volunteers serving youth
- Providing training to staff and volunteers about sexual abuse and prevention
- Supervising older youth who work with children
- Developing a response plan for sexual abuse disclosures
Make a Donation
Make a donation and help put an end to child abuse in the state of Iowa.