The statistics are that one out of every three girls have suffered some unwanted sexual touching by the time she is sixteen. But don’t assume only girls are sexually molested, the statistics for boys are almost as bad, one out of six. Teaching children that no one–no adult, no child, NO ONE–should ever touch in ways that make one feel uncomfortable. Also, someone the child knows and trusts, usually, is the one who perpetrates molestation. Children are routinely told to stay away from strangers, but they need to understand what inappropriate behaviour is from someone they know and trust. So it’s MUCH more important to teach children to immediately inform parents about ‘this touch’ by the particular person. Parents need to be bold enough to confront the person even if he/she is an important relative/friend/acquaintance/servant or any one.
What is Child Sexual Abuse? Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is pressurised, forced or tricked into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with an adult or young person.
Child Sexual Abuse can involve many activities including:-
- Fondling / touching / kissing of genitals or other area’s of the body.
- Penetration with penis, digit, or object.
- Exposing genitals or sexual material to a child.
- Asking a child to touch their own genitals or another persons.
Preventive measures:- Talk to them about “What is SEXUAL ABUSE touch?” at an early age around two and half to three years while bathing, cleaning, dressing them about different parts of body not to be touched by any one.
Calling it sexual abuse touch makes it clear that this is a totally different type of touch. Sexual abuse touch is touch that makes the child feel scared, anxious or uncertain on any part of their body that would normally be covered. Explain to them that this touch may feel “nice” or exciting, but that it may also feel strange. If they are asked not to tell anyone about this touch then that is sexual abuse touch. Make it clear that sexual abuse touch can also happen if they are touched with their clothes on – i.e. if someone rubs them over their pants.
Teaching children that they have the right to say NO! strongly and forcefully really can make a big difference in many situations. To scream, yell, shout, call Mummy or Daddy or run away from that person will also keep children safe. Then to immediately inform parents about this particular person who was trying to harm the child.
Preventive measures and teaching children about abusive touch at an early age will definitely keep children safe from sexual abuse.
itishukla 