-
Inform children that it is wrong for adults to engage
children in sexual activity.
-
Stress to your child that he or she should feel
comfortable telling you anything, especially if it involves another adult.
If your child does not feel comfortable being completely honest with you,
then together you should find another trusted adult your child can talk to
in confidence.
-
Make an effort to know the people with whom your child is
spending time.
-
Knowledge is power. This is especially true for protecting
children from sexual assault. Teach your children about their bodies, give
them the correct language to use when describing their private parts.
Emphasize that those parts are private.
-
Make sure you know where each of your children is at all
times. Know your children's friends and be clear with your children about
the places and homes they may visit. Make it a rule that your children
check in with you when they arrive at or depart from a particular location
and when there is a change in plans. You should also let them know when
YOU are running late or if your plans have changed so that they can see
the rule is for safety purposes and not being used to "check up" on them.
-
Never leave children unattended in an automobile, whether
it is running or not. Children should never be left unsupervised or
allowed to spend time alone, or with others, in automobiles, as the
potential dangers to their safety outweigh any perceived convenience or
"fun." Remind children NEVER to hitchhike, approach a car or engage in a
conversation with anyone in a car who they do not know or trust, or go
anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.
-
Be involved in your children's activities. As an active
participant, you will have a better opportunity to observe how the adults
in charge interact with your children. If you are concerned about anyone's
behavior, take it up with the sponsoring organization.
-
Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you
that they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere. This may be an
indication of more than a personality conflict or lack of interest in the
activity or event.
-
Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a
great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts. Take the time to talk
to your children about this person and find out why the person is acting
in this way.
-
Teach your children that they have the right to say NO to
any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by others.
Teach them to tell you immediately if this happens. Reassure them that you
are there to help and it is okay to tell you anything.
-
Be sensitive to any changes in your children's behavior or
attitude. Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active
listener. Look and listen to small cues and clues that something may be
troubling your children, because children are not always comfortable
disclosing disturbing events or feelings. This may be because they are
concerned about your reaction to their problems. If your children do
confide problems to you, strive to remain calm, non-critical, and
nonjudgmental. Listen compassionately to their concern and work with them
to get the help they need to resolve the problem.
-
Be sure to screen babysitters and caregivers. Many states
now have public registries that allow parents to screen individuals for
prior criminal records and sex offenses. Check references with other
families who have used the caregiver or babysitter. Once you have chosen
the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing.
Ask your children how the experience with the caregiver was, and listen
carefully to their responses.
-
Practice basic safety skills with your children. Make an
outing to a mall or a park a "teachable" experience in which your children
can practice checking with you, using pay phones, going to the restroom
with a friend, and locating the adults who can help if they need
assistance. Remember that allowing your children to wear clothing or carry
items in public on which their name is displayed can bring about unwelcome
attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for a way to start
a conversation with your children.
-
Remember that there is no substitute for your attention
and supervision. Being available and taking time to really know and listen
to your children helps build feelings of safety and security.