1. Make a commitment to spend quality time with your child. Lonely and attention starved children are most vulnerable to abuse.
2. Make it a priority to get to know your child’s friends and families.
3. Avoid scare tactics when discussing personal safety. Reassure your child that most people are kind and safe. Those who are not are the
exception.
4. Teach your child basic sex education. Even small children need to know that the areas covered by their bathing suit are private.
5. Establish that sexual abuse is a crime. This gives the children the confidence to assert themselves with those who try to abuse them.
6. Allow children to express affection on their own terms. Do not instruct them to “Give Uncle Jimmy a kiss” or “Give Aunt Susan a
hug.
7. Don’t leave your children with people whom they express being uncomfortable around (even if it is a close family member or good friend, coach or drama teacher).
8. Stress that there should be no secrets from you, especially those involving an adult (or older child or adolescent).
9. Develop strong communication skills with your children. Explain the importance of reporting abuse to you or to another trust adult.
10. Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities. Youngsters with many interests are less likely to become involved with negative influences.
11. Volunteer to chaperone activities like Boy Scouts and sporting events, especially those involving overnight trips.
12. Instruct children never to go with (or get in a car with) anyone, unless you have given them direct permission.
13. Encourage children to recognize, trust, and follow their instincts and listen to your own instincts. If a situation or person makes you or your child uneasy, believe in your feelings and act on them.
~Adapted from the Child Lures Parents Guide
Child Sexual Abuse in Civil Cases
American bar association
The Sexual Abuse of Children Voume II clinical issues
The Hostage Child
Critical Issues in Child Sexual
Evidence in Child Abuse
A Childs Safety
a guide for judges and Attorneys
