Amador County – The Amador Child Abuse Prevention Council December newsletter included steps to help adults prevent sexual abuse from happening to more children.

Program Coordinator Robin Valencia said “it may not be the cheeriest of topics, but preventing sexual abuse sure will make the lives of countless children brighter.”

Valencia said “it is the responsibility of all adults to protect all children,” and “if you suspect a child is being abused or has been abused, report it,” because “silence is not an option.”

Valencia said child sexual abuse is preventable with education and awareness, and the newsletter gave “the Seven Steps to Protecting our Children: A Guide for Responsible Adults,” which was created by the nonprofit organization Darkness to Light in efforts to prevent child sexual abuse. More detail of the guides can be found with the organization.

Step one is to learn the facts. Understand the risks. Realities – not trusts – should influence decisions regarding children. In more than 90 percent of sexual abuse cases, the child and the child’s family know and trust the abuser. Experts estimate 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18.

Step two: Minimize opportunity. If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations, you’ll dramatically lower the risk. Step three: Talk about it. Children often keep abuse secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about it. One survey showed fewer than 30 percent of parents ever discussed sexual abuse with their children.

Step four: Stay alert. Don’t expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Physical signs of sexual abuse are not common. Emotional or behavioral signs are more common. Step five: Make a plan. Learn where to go, whom to call and how to react, if a child discloses abuse. Don’t overreact or become angry. Offer support and believe the child.

Step six: Act on suspicions. You will save not only one child, but perhaps countless others. Report immediately to Children’s Protective Services: You do not need to have proof. Just report what you’ve been told or your suspicions. Step seven: Get involved. Volunteer and financially support organizations that fight the tragedy of child sexual abuse.

For help, call the 24 hour Amador Crisis Line at (209)223-2600, or the California Youth Crisis Line at 1(800)853-5200.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.