Helpful Resources

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

What Parents & Caregivers Can Do

Taking steps to prevent child sexual abuse is an important part of protecting children and keeping them safe. Below are several steps you as, a parent or caregiver, can take to reduce the likelihood of abuse.

  1. Know the facts about child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is more common than people think. Approximately 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18. Sexual abuse can happen to boys and girls of all ages, races, ethnicities, and family backgrounds. Children are often too scared, confused, or embarrassed to report sexual abuse right away, so it often goes unreported.
  2. Know the facts about perpetrators. Many parents or caregivers already warn their children to be careful around strangers; however, sexual abuse is usually committed by someone that the child knows and trusts. Perpetrators are often family members or close friends of the child’s family. Research estimates that up to 50% of child sexual abuse is committed by other youth. 
  3. Talk to your child about their body, boundaries, and about sexual abuse. Remember, prevention is about teaching your child about what is okay and not okay, both regarding their own behavior and the behavior of others. The other side of this resource contains information and tips for talking to your child about these important topics.
  4. Support your child’s participation in school-based safety and prevention programs. Many schools offer safety and prevention programs to children. You can increase the effectiveness of these programs by getting involved and talking to your child about what they have learned.
  5. Take steps to increase safety in your child’s environment. Understand that most sexual abuse occurs when a child is alone with an adult or older child. Consider minimizing situations where your child is one-on-one with an adult (other than a parent or caregiver) or alone with another child. Choose group activities or activities in public places when possible. Conduct background checks, interviews, and reference checks when choosing a childcare provider. Call to check in or let caregivers know you could drop in unannounced when other people care for your child.
  6. Teach your child about internet safety. Teach your child about online predators who target children. Instruct them not to give out personal information or exchange photos over the internet. Teach your child that they should never take photos of their private parts. Monitor your child’s internet use and apply parental controls.
  7. Be familiar with the signs and symptoms of abuse. Knowing the signs and symptoms of abuse may help you recognize abuse if it does occur. Visit ecsatexas.com to learn more.
  8. Know how to respond to disclosures of abuse. If a child discloses that abuse has occurred, always believe the child. Listen to them in a calm and supportive way. Responding emotionally may cause the child to think that you are upset with them, that they did something wrong, or that they should not have told you. Let the child know that they did the right thing by telling you and that what happened is not their fault. Always report the abuse.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE OBLIGATED BY LAW TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE.

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911. For all other cases in Texas, call the abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or website at txabusehotline.org

This is a resource of Children’s Advocacy Center™ of Texas www.CACTX.org

Talking to your child

Creating Safe Space Between You and Your Child.

Talking to your child is an important step in preventing child sexual abuse. It provides them with needed information and promotes healthy development, increases self-esteem, and fosters a positive relationship between you and your child.

  1. Educate your child and dispel myths. Sometimes parents fear that talking about child sexual abuse can increase the likelihood that sexual exploration happens. However, educating your child can decrease the likelihood that they will make unsafe choices.
  2. Talk to your child about their body. Teach your child the correct names for body parts, which parts of their bodies are considered “private,” and that other people should not touch or see these parts of their bodies, except when it is appropriate (such as a parent helping with hygiene or at a doctor’s appointment).
  3. Talk to your child about boundaries. Teach your child that their body is their own and that they have a right to say “NO” when they don’t want to be touched. Explain to your child that it is not okay for others to touch your child’s private parts or for someone to ask your child to touch their private parts. Do not force your child to hug or kiss family members or friends. Teach your child that it is also not okay for them to touch another child’s private parts.
  4. Talk to your child about what to do. Explain that sometimes, people who abuse children might be people they trust, such as family members, friends, or even older children. Teach your child to say “NO,” go to a safe place, and tell a trusted adult if something happens.
  5. Talk to your child about keeping secrets. People who abuse children often ask them to keep secrets. Teach your child that they should NEVER keep secrets from their parents or caregivers.
  6. Talk to your child about disclosing.  Let your child know that they should always tell you or a safe adult if something happens that makes them feel uncomfortable. Have your child identify adults they feel safe telling. Instruct your child to tell you immediately if anyone tries to touch their private parts or engage in any inappropriate activity with them.
  7. Begin having these conversations with children at a very young age. Even very young children can be abused, so starting these conversations early is important. Be sure to use terms that are appropriate for your child’s level of development.
  8. Encourage open communication with your child. Speak to your child in a warm, open, and supportive way. Meaningful conversations like these should take place in the context of a supportive, trusting relationship.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE OBLIGATED BY LAW TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE.

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911. For all other cases in Texas, call the abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or website at txabusehotline.org

This is a resource of Children’s Advocacy Center™ of Texas www.CACTX.org

WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP KIDS SAFE?

If We Don’t Protect Our Children, Who Will?

Dream Big for Children

Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic too many fail to recognize. Statistics tell us that 1 in 10 children will be victimized by their 18th birthday. We can change that, but first, we must acknowledge that it exists.

Talk to Your Child

Start the conversation at a very young age.

Speak to your child in a way that is warm, open, and supportive. Important conversations like these should take place in the context of a supportive, trusting relationship.

Discuss boundaries.

Teach your child their body is their own. Teach your child the correct names for body parts.

It’s okay to say “No” to an adult.

Give your child permission to say NO to an adult. Explain if someone makes him/her feel uncomfortable, find a safe place to go and then tell a trusted adult what happened as soon as possible.

Never keep secrets.

Teach your child that secrets can be hurtful. Explain that an adult should never ask a child to keep a secret and if someone does, to tell you right away.

Reduce the Risk

80% of sexual abuse occurs during one-on-one situations. Protect your child by minimizing opportunity, making sure that multiple adults are present. You can set an example by personally avoiding one-on-one situations with children other than your own.

Be Alert.

In Texas, 98% of children sexually abused are victimized by someone the family KNOWS and TRUSTS. Perpetrators can be found any place children gather; schools, churches, youth serving organizations, and sadly, sometimes even families.

Know the Signs

Trust your instincts. Some signs of abuse are more obvious than others. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact authorities. You do not need proof.

The Signs of Abuse

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Changes in behavior
  • Returning to earlier behaviors such as thumb-sucking & bed-wetting
  • Fear of certain places or people
  • Changes in eating
  • Changes in sleeping
  • Changes in school performance & attendance
  • Lack of personal care or hygiene
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviors

Know What to Do

Report it! YOU ARE OBLIGATED BY LAW TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE.

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911. For all other cases in Texas, call the abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or website at txabusehotline.org

This is a resource of Children’s Advocacy Center™ of Texas www.CACTX.org

How Can We Help You Teach Your Children About Abuse?

Play it Safe! Is a program for schools and community partners to teach your children about good touch/bad touch.

Please contact us for Information at 903-675-4357.

The realities of sexual assault

Reading this will help.

There can be a lot of misinformation about sexual assault. Unfortunately, when people don’t understand the truth, things don’t always go the way they should. Misinformation can impede survivors’ recovery and create obstacles to important legal rights. So, let’s set the facts straight.

MYTH : IT COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO ME

REALITY : Everyone is vulnerable to sexual assault. Rape is perpetrated against all types of people including females and males of any age, race, class, religion, occupation, educational background or sexual orientation.

MYTH : Most rape occur as a “spur of the moment” act in a dark alley by a stranger.

REALITY : Most rapes are planned and often occur in one’s home. Many times the offender is a relative, friend, neighbor, or other acquaintance of the victim. A rapist will commit multiple rapes, generally in the same area of town and in the same manner.

MYTH : RAPE IS PRIMARILY A SEXUAL CRIME.

REALITY : Rape is a violent assault that is acted out sexually. It violates not only the victim’s personal integrity, but also her/his sense of safety and control over their life.

MYTH : Women secretly want to be raped.

REALITY : Fantasy is not the real thing, and women who do fantasize about rape usually think of rape only as aggressive sex. These fantasies do not reflect what rape really is: a violent, often brutal, terrorizing and humiliating assault. Regardless, fantasizing is just that: a fantasy. It does not mean that a woman wants the fantay to occur in reality.

MYTH : A rapist is easy to spot in a crowd.

REALITY : Most rapists appear to be average persons. Most are married and young. They can be of any race, color or economic class.

MYTH : Most rapes are interracial.

REALITY : The overwhelming majority of rapes involve persons of the same race or culture.

MYTH : Rape is a non-violent crime.

REALITY : Rape is a violent crime - 87% of rapists either carry a weapon or threaten the victim with violence or death. Forcible rape is increasing in this country, more than any other violent crime.

MYTH : Only young women are raped.

REALITY : Rape occurs to victims of all ages. In the U.S., there are reports of rape victims ranging in age from just days old to close to 100. People of all ages, socioeconomic groups, neighborhoods and lifestyles can be victims.

MYTH : Some victims are “asking for it” by the way they dress or by their actions.

REALITY : As stated above, most rapes are planned. No person asks to be hurt or degraded. Research shows that rapists are looking for available, vulnerable targets, not victims who dress or behave in a particular way.

MYTH : It is not really possible to rape a non-consenting adult.

REALITY : It is indeed possible to rape a non-consenting adult. Fear of death, threat of violence, or physical brutality can immobilize anyone.

MYTH : As long as you stay away from dangerous places and dangerous people you will not be raped.

REALITY : There is no way to guarantee that sexual assault will never happen to you. There are ways to reduce risk and increase safety, but despite being prepared there are many factors which are not in our control. No matter what the situation, it is never the victims fault!

If You Are Assaulted

  1. Get to a safe place.
  2. Do not shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, or use the toilet.
  3. Don’t change or destroy clothing.
  4. As hard as it may be not to clean up, you may destroy important evidence if you do.
  5. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
  6. Contact a friend or family member you trust.

Call the Henderson County Help Center at 1-888-975-0174 for support and information.


Download the Full Guide Here Download the Full Guide Here (Spanish)

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This is a resource of Texas Association Against Sexual Assault www.TAASA.org

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