How To Protect Your Child From Sexual Assault (From Out of Harm's Way: Readings on Child Sexual Abuse, Its Prevention and Treatment, P 22-30, 1986, Dawn Haden, ed. -- See NCJ-107618)

• NCJ Number: 107621
• Author(s): L W Strick
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: Oryx Press
• Publication Type: Citizen Involvement Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Reprinted from Woman's Day (September 1, 1982)

Annotation

These guidelines for parents explain why and how to give children information about protecting themselves against sexual assault and about what to do if an improper advance occurs.

Abstract

They also explain how to respond to a child's report of victimization. Parents often incorrectly believe that children are at risk mainly from strangers. However, they need to be aware and to inform their children of their risks from acquaintances or relatives. They should present the information honestly and positively to provide reassurance rather than instill fear. Other ways to protect children are to give them the right to make their own decisions about physical intimacy with relatives or others and to assure the child's right to privacy at home. Parents should also inform children about all kinds of dangerous situations, not just sexual assault, and about how to handle them. When a child reports sexual assault, the parent should express belief in what the child has said, understanding that the child is not at fault, sorrow at what has happened, and a commitment to do whatever is possible to protect the child in the future.