There are many ways we protect our kids and prevent injuries.  In your safety talks with your children about  wearing bike helmets, fire safety, dialing 911, and other such issues, include an on-going discussion of sexual abuse.  This is a SAFETY issue, and if you approach the subject in the same matter-of-fact, calm manner that you discuss other safety issues, your kids will get the message.  Remember, it's adults who bring the stigma about sexual assault to their kids.

It is important that you teach your children about safe and unsafe touches & behaviors.   Your kids need to be aware that unsafe touches don't necessarily hurt!  Sexual assault doesn't always physically injure the child, and can even feel pleasurable.  In addition, 85% of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, and often trusts.  That means that kids need to know that "strangers" aren't the only people who can abuse them. 

Help your kids come up with a list of adults they can turn to if they need help.  Let them know that they have a safety net of people who care for them.

Know what your kids are learning at school about sex.  Most kids get their first sex ed from other kids, which means you need to find out what they are hearing from their peers, as well as what they are learning in the classroom.

Many parents minimize the impact of a non-violent assault.  To a child, the breech of trust is traumatic regardless of the level of abuse that occurred.  If your child tells you he or she has been sexually assaulted or molested (which may not include physical abuse) take that seriously!  Call our 24-hour Sexual Assault Resource Line if you have questions or concerns: 1-888-99-VOICE

Many sex offenders will "groom" a child and their family.  This means that they gain your trust in order to gain access to your children.  Their initial contacts with your child may or may not be sexual.  To learn more about some of the tactics that sex offenders use, click on this link to the sexual abuse alert list.