Step 1

Learn the Facts

The facts about child sexual abuse can be staggering, but learning them can help us better understand how to protect children.

For instance, we know that over 90% of sexually abused children are abused by someone known by the child or family. This means that “stranger danger” isn’t the biggest risk to children. People they know are.

Learn More

Step 2

Minimize Opportunity

One-one-one time with trusted adults is healthy and valuable for a child. Ensuring that those opportunities are safe is important as well.

If you eliminate or reduce opportunities for children to be in isolated, one-on-one situations with adults or other youth, you dramatically reduce the risk for abuse.

Learn More

Step 3

Talk About It

Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about topics like body safety, sex, and boundaries. One of the best defenses against child sexual abuse is our relationship with children and open, age-appropriate conversations.

Learn More

Step 4

Recognize the Signs

Don’t expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Signs are often there, but you have to know what to look for. Emotional or behavioral signals are more common, and may range from “too perfect” behavior to anger and rebellion.

Learn More

Step 5

React Responsibly

Disclosure, discovery, and suspicions of sexual abuse provide opportunities to intervene on behalf of a child. Be prepared to react responsibly.

Learn More