Tip #1 – Stay Alert for Possible Behavior Signs of Abusers
Tip #2 – Stay Alert for Possible Signs in Children
Tip #3 – If Suspicious, Check It Out
Tip #4 – Learn to tell normal sexual behaviors of children from abusive ones
Tip #5 – Talk To Your Children Early and Often

 

Tip #3 – If Suspicious, Check It Out

When I was ten years old, I was raped by my Little League coach, a man who violated more than 400 kids before he was stopped at the age of 68. Those who prey on children don’t stop until someone stops them.

Because child sexual abuse can be difficult to identify, many people who suspect abuse aren’t sure what they should do. They sometimes hesitate to share their suspicions with others who could help, such as a confidential helpline, pediatrician, the Department of Social Services or the police. While this hesitancy is understandable, the tragic result for children is that almost 90% of sexual offenders are never reported.

We can change these odds. For years, perpetrators have counted on our reluctance to raise suspicions about someone because they might turn out to be innocent. Parents and other caring adults, however, are recognizing that they can protect their children more effectively by learning about grooming techniques that perpetrators often use, asking questions about those who spend time with their children, and paying attention to and following up on their instincts that something may not be “quite right.”

By acting on your suspicion that a child is being sexually abused, you could:

• Save that child from further abuse;
• Save countless other children from future abuse by that perpetrator; and
• Prevent the potentially devastating physical, emotional and social effects of sexual abuse for that child, his or her family, and your own community.

Remember that even if you suspect someone you know and love is sexually abusing a child and are concerned about what will happen if they are reported, THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR THAT PERSON IS TO GET THEM TO STOP!

Have you seen behaviors that make you suspect child sexual abuse?

If you suspect sexual abuse of a child or teen in your family or circle of acquaintances, you may want to approach the non-offending parent(s) with your concerns. Provide them with this website address or download the information and share it with them so they can learn what to do. Support them in contacting a professional that can help them discuss the situation and their options.

Go to the GET HELP section of this site for contact information in your area if:

• You suspect sexual abuse of a child and want to make a report to authorities;
• You want help for you or someone you know who has been sexually abused; or
• You want help for someone you believe is sexually offending –

Skilled and compassionate professionals are ready to give you assistance and support you in your efforts to stop child sexual abuse.

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