How Parents Can
Help Protect Children
from Abuse

Listen to your children; do not simply “hear” what they say.

Pay attention to your child’s appearance. Ask about scrapes and bruises, redness or injuries around the genitals.

Take notice of sudden uncharacteristic behavior changes: if he/she becomes aggressive or withdrawn, shows unusual fears of certain people, places, or has an unusual knowledge or interest of sex. Ask questions and get professional help. Take these signs very seriously.

Teach your children how to protect themselves and set clear rules. Tell them why it is so important they obey your rules.

Teach your children to trust their instincts.

Children need to know that most adults ask other adults for help, i.e., for directions, help moving, looking for pets, etc.

Know where your child is and whom they are with.

Make sure your child knows he/she is the most important person in your life; that you will always be there and will do your best to protect them.

Because you cannot be with your child 24 hours a day, it is a good idea to have a secret code word to use to send special messages, or when he feels uncomfortable or in trouble. If for some reason you are unable to pick up your child from school and you need to send a friend, give your friend the code word. Choose a word like toothpick or giraffe, one that would not come up in a normal conversation. Do not use words such as mommy, car, ice cream or candy.

Make sure your child knows his home telephone number and address.

Tell them it is okay to say “No” to an adult.

Remember, most child abusers are “ordinary” people.

Most child abusers are known and even loved by the child they abuse.

It is more common for a child to be abused by a family member or a family friend than by a stranger.

Ask children if they like their babysitter, doctor, relatives, etc., and why.

Don’t push a child to give hugs or kisses or spend time alone with anyone they are not completely comfortable with.