10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Child Abuse

1. Volunteer your time. Get involved with other parents in your community. Help vulnerable children and their families. Start a playgroup.
2. Discipline your children thoughtfully. Never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control.

Advice for Parents

SOME FEELINGS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE WHEN ABUSE HAS BEEN REPORTED
When abuse is reported, parents/guardians may experience a “roller coaster” of emotions. A report of abuse may affect your life in many ways and adjusting takes time. You may experience one or more of the following feelings. Any of the feelings listed are normal and movement from one feeling to another is also normal.

Why Children May Not Tell

Reasons Why Children May Not Tell Us They Have Been Abused
Most children are sexually abused many times before the abuse is ever discovered or disclosed. There are many reasons children don't tell us they have been abused including:

What are my Child's Privacy Rights?

Can I Talk To My Child About What Happened Before the Interview?

NO, not unless your child brings up the subject and wants to talk about it.

* Listen to your child without commenting or questioning.
* Do not coach or pressure your child to talk about what happened.
* Be sure to reassure your child that he/she will be alright.

What Happens Here?

What Happens At Child First Advocacy Center?

The Child First Advocacy Center (CFAC) is a child-friendly setting that coordinates services for children who may have been abused. The process involves a team of professionals from several agencies, including law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, advocacy and medical providers.

What are the Warning Signs of Abuse?

The warning signs of abuse vary by age:

Who Sexually Abuses Children?

In 90% of child abuse cases, the child knows and trusts the person who commits the abuse. It is difficult to face the fact that someone we know-and even trust or love- might be a sexual abuser.

How Can I Prevent Child Abuse?

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREVENT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE?

* recognize signs of abuse
* Set and respect family boundaries including the right to privacy

Frequently-Asked Questions

10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Child Abuse

Advice for Parents

Why Children May Not Tell

What are my Child's Privacy Rights?

What Happens Here?

What are the Warning Signs of Abuse?

Who Sexually Abuses Children?

How Can I Prevent Child Abuse?

Report Suspected Abuse

Call

1-800-649-5285

At ANY Time