Talking to your child if you suspect that they are being sexually abused

I would like to share an excellent article from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network:

Summary:

Parents are surrounded by messages about child sexual abuse. Talkshows and TV news warn parents about dangers on the Internet, at school and at home. However, parents don’t get much advice on how to talk to their children if they are concerned that sexual abuse is occurring.

Talk to your child directly.

• Pick your time and place carefully!
• Ask if anyone has been touching them in ways that don’t feel okay or that make them feel uncomfortable.
• Follow up on whatever made you concerned. If there was something your child said or did that made you concerned, ask about that.
• Talk with your child about secrets.

Build a trusting relationship with your child.

• Let your child know that it is okay to come to you if someone is making them uncomfortable.
• All children should know that it’s okay to say “no” to touches that make them uncomfortable or if someone is touching them in ways that make them uncomfortable and that they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
• Teach children that some parts of their body are private.

As you talk to your child about sexual abuse, remember to focus on creating a safe place for your child. Even if they don’t tell you about sexual abuse at the time of the conversation, you are laying a foundation for future conversations.

Please read the full article at RAINN.org