How can you keep your children safe?

By Anna Webb

McClatchy-Tribune

Kids facing a potentially dangerous situation should first say no, get away from the dangerous person, and tell someone else what happened.

But Jeanne Buschine, counseling services coordinator for the Meridian School District, said she knows this three-step strategy doesn't always work.

"As a young child, you're not always able to say no to someone who's older than you or more powerful than you. And when it comes to child sexual abuse, an offender is always in a position of power over the victim," Buschine said.

Adults who care for children need to remind children that abuse is not their fault, and to emphasize:

- Kids' bodies are their own.

- No one has the right to touch the parts of their bodies that their bathing suits cover (unless it's to keep healthy and clean).

- It's never too late to tell someone that inappropriate touching has occurred.

Students in Meridian receive personal safety training in first, third, and fifth grades - and Buschine knows it sometimes takes all three sessions to reach a child.

"A counselor had been in a girl's class three times. The girl had heard about safety over, and over," Buschine said.

She didn't talk to her counselor until fifth grade, though, and then it was because she was worried her abuser would start abusing her younger sister.

"She didn't want to say anything because of the way the offender had framed things - that the abuse was her fault, that he would hurt her mom if she told," Buschine said.

MORE TIPS FOR PARENTS

- Listen to your gut: Be leery about leaving your child with someone who gives you or your child an uneasy feeling. If your child doesn't want to be left with an adult, pay attention.

- If children say they've been abused, believe them and report it. Some parents and caretakers don't call the police because they're worried about the trauma their kids will face if they do. It's important to let professional investigators determine what happened.

Source: Jeanne Buschine, counseling services coordinator for the Meridian School District

WATCH KIDS FOR WARNING SIGNS

- Trouble walking or sitting.

- Knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his or her age, or seductive behavior.

- Avoiding a specific person without an obvious reason.

- Reluctance to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities.

- Running away from home.

Source: Helpguide.org

HELP FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE:

- Stop It Now: 1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368)

- Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network: 1-800-656-HOPE

Upcoming Events