The RAACE Foundation believes the key to prevention is knowledge. Parents should be well-informed about preventative steps to stop child sexual abuse. Establishing and maintaining open, age appropriate communication with your child is the best way to protect them from becoming a victim of sexual abuse.

Experts agree that if children are comfortable talking openly with their parents they are more outwardly confident and less likely to become victimes of sexual abuse. Additionally, they are more likely to disclose at the first sign of an abusive situation. 

To learn more about how to talk openly with your child, consult a local health care professional or call the ChildHelp Hotline by dialing 1-800-4-A-Child.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics” recommends the following age appropriate conversations with children.

From ages 18 months to 3 years – begin teaching children the proper names for all body parts.

Ages 3 – 5 years – teach children about private body parts and how to say no to anyone who touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Give them direct answers to questions about sex.

Ages 5 – 8 years – talk about good touches and bad touches, and safety away from home.

Ages 8 – 12 years – focus on personal safety issues.

Ages 13 – 18 years – discuss issues such as rape, date rape, HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy.”