What can children do to protect themselves from sexual abuse?

Answer 1

First of all a child is never responsible for sexual abuse.

That said, you can learn your child not to trust any stranger. Give the child a thing that makes a lot of sound (an alarm thing, it must have a name but I don't know an English word for it) so if someone attacks the child the child can make a lot of noise and attract people's attention or scare the attacker away.

But most children who get abused are abused by people the child knows. The abuser will tell the child to keep it a secret, or frighten the child with all kind of threats. Learn the child that if there is ever something happening that the child doesn't like, that he or she should talk about it. Create a safe environment in which the child feels safe to talk about everything.

Keep in mind that a child might still not talk about it. If you see a change in behaviour, talk about that.

Answer 2

Most sexual abuse is within the family. From parents, to siblings to Uncles and Aunties and grandparents.
Children have been betrayed by the very people they should be trusting with all their lives so it makes it very difficult for them to trust an outsider.
It doesn't matter how much it is taught to speak out, it takes a lot of courage to be the one who surfaces the consequences that are or can be threatened into silence.

It's great now childlines are about for children, and with more encouragement within schools to speak out without the fear of returning to the abuse, the more children will speak out.
If abuse is within the home, then the child won't be educated about this at home so teach at school, not when they get to 10, but when they are 5.
Why do I think this, because of the way it makes a difference to the abused child. The sooner they escape it, the better they heal, the less abuse they endure, the less scaring they will have.

How can a infant, small child defend themselves other than by telling? It's our responsibility as adults to protect the innocent even if not our own.

Answer 3

Most sexual abuse actually occurs within the family or social circle of the parents, neighborhood or school. Staying away from strangers is a good idea, however, I believe the best thing a child can do is tell an adult if they are touched or asked to touch inappropriately. If that adult doesn't listen, keep telling every adult you know. The more people the child tells, the less likely the situation can continue. Also the child should be told at school, at the doctor's office, etc. that they should not be afraid to tell a policeman, doctor, teacher, or family member, even if threatened by the abuser. If the abuser resides in the house with the child, the child should tell someone outside of the house.

The more people know, the better chance that the child will be believed.

Answer 4

Make sure that they have a very close and trusting relationship with their parents. Children should never be afraid to tell their parents anything. It is the parents ultimate responsibility to make sure that their children are safe.

Child sexual abuse usually takes place with people that the children know, whether it be other family members or "close friends" of the family. Please remember that when it comes to sexual abuse NO ONE can be trusted.

Protect your children, TALK to your children and make absolutely sure that your children know how much you love and need them.

Answer 5

I think that mostly it is that parents need to teach children what to watch out for, then children need to do those things. But, anyway

Kids should kick, scratch and scream loudly ( something like
"NO ! you aren't my father !") if someone tries to grab them.

Beware of people saying things like "can you help me find my lost puppy/kitten?" if they don't know the person

NEVER get in/near the door of the car ( van, truck) of someone who says "your mother/father told me to pick you up for them" or 'I'll take you to your mother/father" UNLESS that person knows the family password. Of course, the parents need to have discussed family passwords, etc.

Parents should explain to the kids that other people don't get to touch the kids..

Parents should explain to very young children that adults should not be asking or telling kids to "keep this a secret." Children should be taught to tell their parents ASAP if an adult tells them that.

Parents should practice scenarios with their kids, so the kids get used to putting the rules in practice.



Most child abusers are NOT strangers. But the statistics say that a child is more likely to be molested by a relative or friend of the family. Scary, i know.

Answer 6

children should not be around strangers or w/out supervision by trusted adults. They need parents to talk to them about good touch, bad touch and parents should keep the lines of communication open. Also, they need to be made aware that strangers are often soliciting for help from them to lure them into bad situations--and that they are never to leave w/a stranger. Convicted offenders have to register and their identities, residences are public record. That is another way for parents to be aware of who is living around them. There is no absolute protection, but the risks can be minimized if the above are followed.

Answer 7

A predator on children are usually those that they know. There is nothing they, as children, can do. After the fact they can tell another adult. This subject, however wrong,is taboo yet today. Let's face it, children do not have the mental or physical capabilities to deal with their predator.

Answer 8

If children find themselves in a dangerous situation, they should know how to defend themselves. Even in my small town, there are martial arts/self defense classes for children as young as 3 years.

Answer 9

Being taught by parents that no one is allowed to touch their private parts and that if some one does they should not feel ashamed or afraid to tell someone, even if it's someone they know. Make sure they know they can always trust their parents or another adult (if their parent is the abuser).

Answer 10

Be educated on the subject. They also need to know that they can trust an adult. Have them find someone (family member, school personnel, friends parent) that they can trust to go to if something was bothering them or worse, if an incident did occur!