While watching the network news recently, there was a report of a little baby that was sexually abused by an adult. Increasing number of children are daily being sexually abused by adults in our society today. Those who think such abominable acts only occur in western societies had better have a rethink. Children of all ages are victims of sexual abuse. The sad news is that friends, relatives and even fathers are the perpetuators of these evil acts. Reports of children ranging from infants as young as six months being raped, to 13 year old girls giving birth to their fathers’ babies are becoming common in our society today.One of the best ways of preventing child sexual abuse is to educate and teach your child how to avoid getting into such trouble. It’s the parent’s sole responsibility to do this. Parents should discuss the subject with their children, and should start early, even when they are as young as twelve to eighteen months. These youngsters are soft and tender at this age, so teach them the proper names of their body parts. A child of about three years can be taught about the private parts of the body, as well as the right to say “no” to unwanted touch. A child who is constantly forced to kiss, hug, or sit on the laps of someone they dislike often loses the feeling that his or her body is theirs. Children feel that if they must kiss or hug a person, then they might also have to do other things they dislike as well.
If a child asks questions about sex, give him straightforward answers. Don’t wrap them up in ambiguity or ignore the question, because you think it is too embarrassing to discuss. By starting an open line of communication with your child at this age, you increase the chances of your child coming to you when problems come up later on. Besides, incest and child abuse thrives on secrecy and fear.
As your child gets older and starts going to other children’s homes, and perhaps staying the night, it is time to discuss safety away from home. Your child should be well aware of the difference between good touch and bad touch. You should always ask about your child’s outing and encourage him or her to discuss any possibly scary experiences.
At age twelve, boys and girls often start paying attention to themselves and each other. Puberty has begun, along with the body changes that go with it. Children at this age often feel they are immune to so many of the rules and regulations up to this point. They want to go “hang out” with their buddies, or ride their bikes while out of their parents’ sight. It is at this time that personal safety and sexual conduct should be discussed. Though many parents will shudder at the idea of their child even thinking about sexual conduct, but this is the right time for sexual education.
Sit with them and actually discuss sexual abuse and what it entails. Many children believe that sexual abuse is all about old men forcing one to have intercourse with them. But it is much more than that. Make them aware of the facts, even if you have to give them a pamphlet from their pediatrician’s office to read. Be sure they are aware the dangers of “strangers” on the Internet. Past the age of twelve, a child must be made aware of “date rapes”, sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancies. As hard as it is to imagine, some girls believe that if they didn’t actually fall asleep with the boy, they couldn’t possibly be pregnant.
At this time it is imperative that the lines of communication between the child and parent be open and uninhibited. If your child seems to want to discuss a matter, but is having a rough time talking about it, be understanding and make sure he or she knows you are interested. At all ages a parent should know where and with whom a child is spending time with. Also make sure your child is spending time with those of an equal age. Avoid letting him or her spend periods of time in out of the way places with much older children or other adults.
A school’s curriculum should include abuse prevention programmes for both children and teachers. If the school does have a programme, and your child attends it, this will be an opportune time to discuss sexual abuse. Churches should also include such programmes in the Sunday school activity for children. If you were abused as a child, tell your son or daughter the details you are comfortable about sharing. By knowing you went through it, a child who is abused is much more likely to bring the subject up if it happens to them. One of the most important things to remember is to give your child enough of your time, so he or she won’t go looking for it from some other adult. The lonely child who is not listened to at home makes a perfect target for almost any pedophile.
No comments:
Post a Comment