Child Sexual Abuse

A child is being sexually abused right now.

That child may be a:

• girl

• boy

• baby

• teen

The abuser is probably someone the child knows and trusts:

• a parent or stepparent

• another relative

• a family friend

• an older child

• a babysitter

Sexual abusers may seem normal.

But they like to:

• look at a child's private parts

• take pictures of a child's private parts

• show a child their private parts

• touch a child in sexual ways

• make a child touch them in sexual ways

• have sex with a child

Sexual abuse can hurt a child's body and mind. The pain can last a lifetime.

Abused kids may hide their pain.

They often keep silent about the abuse because:

• The abusers says what they did was a "secret".

• They are afraid of the abuser.

• They still love the abuser and don't want to cause any trouble.

• They don't think anyone will believe them.

• They think they did something wrong.

Help kids stay safe

Teach kids that they don't have to keep secrets that make them feel bad. They don't have to share their bodies with anyone. They can say "no" if someone tries to abuse them. They can try to get away.

They should tell an adult - - a parent, another relative, a teacher, a pastor or a doctor. They should keep telling until someone helps them.

If a child tells you about sexual abuse, believe it!

Stay calm. Praise the child for telling you. Tell the child it was not his or her fault. Get help even if the child seems unhurt. Have a doctor make sure the child is ok. Ask who can help the child deal with his or her feelings.

Report sexual abuse!

Even is you are not sure a child has been abused, report it right away.

Look in the front of your phone book for numbers for Child Protective Services, child abuse hotlines, the police.

Copyrighted information property of Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. For more information or a copy of this booklet, call (800) 628-7733.