PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE: THE ROLE OF PARENTS

Child sexual abuse is the most shameful social evil that ever existed. Children who fall victim of abuse may have to live with the burden of harsh consequences throughout the life. The ratio of children getting abused is frightening. Several studies have shown that 1 in 5 children fall victim of child sexual abuse. Which is very unfortunate. Facts reveal that 95% of children fall victim of abuse by their own family members, relatives or the people whom they know and trust. It has become the most important and sensitive challenge for everyone to protect their children from being abused. And the parents can play the prominent role in preventing their kids from getting abused. A parent-child relationship is one that nurtures the overall development of the kids. It’s a unique bond that every child and parent shares where children grow in a healthy and secure attachment with their parents. We now that parents and guardians have the biggest influence on a child’s upbringing when it comes to educating them about sensitive issues like healthy sexual development and ways to reducing the risk of sexual abuse.

Protecting children from falling victim of abuse has become crucial. And the parents can play the most prominent role in protecting their kids from abuse.

It is a fundamental right and responsibility of every parents to raise their children in the best possible way. Parents and guardians need to understand that it’s their responsibility to train their children how to protect themselves from the predators. It is their duty to impart this critical knowledge and skill from the very beginning. Parents support for the prevention of child abuse is crucial. Here are few guidelines that parents need to take into consideration.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CHILD ABUSE

Before teaching your kids you have to be well updated about child abuse. As it is very sensitive issue you should have sound knowledge about various aspects of child abuse (like preventive measures, signs and symptoms of abuse, dealing with victim and predator etc.).

TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT TOUCHES

The foremost thing that parents can do is to equip their children with the knowledge and skills to deal with the situation in their absence. Parents should teach their children about about touches. Good touch and bad touch is commonly used concept to teach children what type of touch is okay and what type of touch is not okay in order to protect them from falling victim of child sexual abuse. The knowledge of touch is best way to recognize and respond to the situation.

KNOW THE PEOPLE WITH WHOM YOUR KIDS ARE SPENDING TIME

Kids may come across various situation when they are alone with friends, teachers, coaches or sitters. Ask your kids with love, care and patience in a friendly way that what they did, if it was fun or not, how they feel being with them etc. The conversation should not be paranoid.

TEACH YOUR KIDS TO RECOGNIZE THE INTENTIONS OF PEDOPHILE

Pedophile may use various tactics to approach kids. Children should be able to identify the signs of such approach and act accordingly. Parents should teach their children how to act smartly in such situations.

Parenting is the deepest responsibility. It’s not just about being called ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy’. Your negligence may push your kids into the deep bog from where the escape is very painful and difficult. It’s your responsibility to protect your children from being trapped in the clutches of the abuser. It cannot be neglected and ignored.