Unfortunately, according to Darkness to Light, a non-profit organization committed to empowering adults to prevent child abuse, as many as 25% of all children may be victims of either assault or sexual abuse in their lifetime. With these staggering numbers, it’s important that parents and educators, as well as all of America, are aware of how to prevent this terrifying abuse. Ultimately, by keeping silent, the perpetrators benefit from it as it becomes a confidential and secret problem. Having candid conversations and teaching our children how to prevent this type of abuse will bring the issues into the open which will deter it from continuing.
By taking the time to teach children skills to prevent sexual abuse, we can help to lower incidences, resulting in protection of children as a whole. Here are some suggestions that parents can take to keep their child from becoming a victim of sexual abuse.
Child abuse is one of the most under-reported crimes in the country. Often, this is because the child is afraid, shameful, and feels that the incident may happen again if they tell. The fact that the perpetrator is sometimes a family friend, family member or trusted educator complicates the victim’s desire to report the incident. When it is reported, the victim has feelings of self-blame and shame. The strongest weapon an abuse victim has is to persecute their abuser. Bringing abusers to justice is the best way to bring an end to child sexual abuse.
John Leighton, Esq., is a board certified personal injury trial lawyer and managing partner of Leighton Law with offices in Miami and Orlando. He represents seriously injured victims of negligence, sexual abuse, medical malpractice, violent crime, defective products and resort, travel, and vacation accidents. His lifelong passion is helping people who have had the worst thing happen in their lives.