SECURING CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE.

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Parents must be able to protect their children from predators. Sex abuse is on the increase today. Securing children from sex abuse is of utmost importance. It is a very disturbing situation. It is more disturbing that

pedophiles are difficult to identify, yet they are all around us and are family members or trusted friends. https://familyfaculties.com/2020/06/14/how-to-identify-pedophiles/

Equip children with skills and knowledge to be able to secure themselves. Parents must be sensitive to reds flags that point to abusers.

There are female abusers. We must note that ‘The past decade has led to more recognition of the capacity of women to engage in sexual offences against children.’ https://www.emmottsnell.co.uk/blog/female-paedophiles-how-prevalent-are-they

We shall focus on tips on securing children from sexual abuse. It will enable Parents have peace of mind. Apart from Parents’ peace of mind, it helps society stem the erosion of the children who grow into untwisted men and women that populate the community.

Tips on Securing Children from Sexual Abuse.

1. No Sleep Overs:

There must be a firm policy of no sleep over for children. It is a very unnecessary visit to a home you have no control over. Any thing can

happen there. How safe is the other home? Which adults live there? That family may not have the same value system as yours. It is not wise to allow other children sleep over in your home.

2. No live in adults:

It is not wise to have adults live in your home. You may not be able to contain why they do or say to your children. By virtue of our culture, its expected but please put your child’s safety first. Please note that some ladies in our homes can make our young sons have sex with them. Be careful of that Aunty.

3. Install Cameras at Home.

Do not mind the cost of installation, put a CCTV. Cameras will record what happens in your absence. Domestic help can be complicit and as such, you need to keep an eye. Many stories are captured by cameras.

4. Family Password :

Use Passwords to cross check information. It has saved some children. It is known to Dad, Mum , and Children. Let them use passwords to contact you when the feel unsafe .

5. Early Sex Education:

Sex education can start as early as 3 years. Teach them the actual names of the body parts. Penis is Penis, Hand is Hand, Vagina is Vagina. Talk about the parts so that the child is comfortable. Teach the children the Private and Public parts of

their body. Emphasize that no one touches their private parts nor they touch anyone. Abuse is initiated by touch. ‘Explain that mommy and daddy

can see them naked, but people outside of the home should only see them with their clothes on. Explain how their doctor can see them without their

clothes because mommy and daddy are there with them and the doctor is checking their body.’https://childmind.org/article/10-ways-to-teach-your-child-the-skills-to-prevent-sexual-abuse/

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4. Do not allow naked Pictures:

Parents over look this point. Children can be exploited by using their nude pictures online. Teach them never to allow anyone take a picture of their private parts. https://news.un.org/en/tags/online-child-pornography

5. Learn signs of sexual abuse:

It is important not to ignore a change in behaviour. There are things that indicate abuse happened. Some signs are

• Withdrawing into the room
• Frequent visit to the toilet
• Afraid of the dark
• Nightmares
• Bed wetting
• changes in sleep pattern. https://www.parenting.com/toddler/tips-child-sex-abuse-prevention/

More on securing children from sexual abuse.

6. Be careful of Private Tutors:

The trend of bringing in lesson teachers exposes your child to a possibility of abuse. Most parents abandon homework to paid teachers. It is dangerous

because you maybe ignorant of his background. Ensure supervision when an adult is home with your child.

7. No Secrets:

Pedophiles dwell in the dark. They lure victims with secrets. It is confusing for a child if you tell him to keep secrets. Especially body secrets. Abusers

manipulate children with keeping secrets. Remind your child all the time of the code of no secrets. Do not allow secrets , it will help in securing the child from sexual abuse.

8. Communication:

Have an open line of communication. Spend time talking to your children. Sometimes, they just want to talk. Be a good listener. Don’t criticize their

opinions but gently voice yours. If a child tells of an abuse, tell her you believe her. That opens the door for more trust to be established. Do not

blame the child or shout at the child. Be active in your children’s lives so that you know the adults that are their friends. Show the child unconditional love so that she is not afraid of confiding in you.

9. Follow your instincts:

Never ignore a hunch. Your instincts are never wrong. Do not ignore the child’s instincts neither. ‘Listen To Your Intuition – Teach Your Children

to Listen to Their Intuition. Intuition is a natural defense system and as we grow older, it becomes more refined. It is designed to protect us from

harm or dangerous situations. Make sure your children understand this – if they feel uncomfortable, get out of that situation. If they feel unsure about

doing something, don’t. If they don’t want to go with a certain person, don’t make them. Stop caring about politeness and think about safety first!’http://www.imom.com/pedophiles-protecting-children-pedophile/

10. Do not allow Grooming:

Grooming is when a predator manipulates the victim into trusting him. They isolate the child and make the child believe she is special. Ensure that your child is not alone with the adult who shows special interest in her. Join any activities he suggests to attend with the child alone. Never entertain any dirty jokes from an adult towards your child. Do not ignore any casual touch from an adult because he wants to make the child feel you approve of such. It is expedient that you teach your child the signs of grooming and make her reject it outright. https://educateempowerkids.org/8-ways-predator-might-groom-child/

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In the event of any suspected abuse, please do not hesitate to inform the police and the Pediatrician. Do not hide it. The child will be traumatized. It is not the child’s fault. The child needs you at this time so please help.

Related articles:

• https://familyfaculties.com/2020/06/14/how-to-identify-pedophiles/
• https://familyfaculties.com/2020/06/16/why-pedophiles-get-away-with-their-act/
• https://familyfaculties.com/2020/05/26/abuse-of-the-boy-child/