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7 Strategies to Prevent Sexual Abuse

Children with developmental disabilities often have little agency over what happens to their bodies. Reduce vulnerability and encourage body ownership by using proper names for private parts. Reinforce the concept of privacy by explaining that privat

Children with developmental disabilities often have little agency over what happens to their bodies. Reduce vulnerability and encourage body ownership by using proper names for private parts. Reinforce the concept of privacy by explaining that private areas are covered by underwear or a swimsuit. Always let your child know who will be helping them with their bathroom needs when you are not present.

The foundations we set in early childhood will help our children establish healthy relationships later in life! Help your child understand they can make choices about personal boundaries by never forcing your child to give or receive physical affecti

The foundations we set in early childhood will help our children establish healthy relationships later in life! Help your child understand they can make choices about personal boundaries by never forcing your child to give or receive physical affection. Reinforce age-appropriate personal space, such as sitting next to peers and not on an adult's lap. Ask others to respect your child’s boundaries by offering a high five or fist bump instead of a hug or kiss. And don’t forget to require your child respect others' personal space as well!

Find out what protocols are in place to keep children safe within your school, childcare, faith community and extra-curricular activities. Are the staff aware of these policies and do they follow the safety protocols? How are suspicions of abuse repo

Find out what protocols are in place to keep children safe within your school, childcare, faith community and extra-curricular activities. Are the staff aware of these policies and do they follow the safety protocols? How are suspicions of abuse reported? Include safety & diapering/toileting expectations in your child's IEP.

Minimize one-on-one situations. Ask therapists and teachers to keep the door open during sessions. Monitor your child’s time with older children and student mentors. Drop by unannounced. You have the right to know how your child is spending his/her t

Minimize one-on-one situations. Ask therapists and teachers to keep the door open during sessions. Monitor your child’s time with older children and student mentors. Drop by unannounced. You have the right to know how your child is spending his/her time and the adults working with your child should be happy to share what your child is learning!

Secrets are never necessary and can be hurtful. Perpetrators of sexual abuse often isolate and manipulate children by asking them to keep secrets. Establish a family culture of open communication and use surprises instead of secrets when looking forw

Secrets are never necessary and can be hurtful. Perpetrators of sexual abuse often isolate and manipulate children by asking them to keep secrets. Establish a family culture of open communication and use surprises instead of secrets when looking forward to sharing a gift or special treat.

Abusers are incredibly manipulative individuals who understand they must earn the trust of a child’s family and community in order to successfully hide sexual abuse. Grooming is the process by which a perpetrator slowly desensitizes a child and his/

Abusers are incredibly manipulative individuals who understand they must earn the trust of a child’s family and community in order to successfully hide sexual abuse. Grooming is the process by which a perpetrator slowly desensitizes a child and his/her caregivers. This is accomplished by showing favor and gaining trust over time, which enables the abuser to get the child into isolated situations where abuse can occur. If you suspect grooming behaviors, trust your gut and speak up! It’s important the person violating boundaries understands that you are willing to remove your child from the situation if you feel uncomfortable.

Many of the adults in your child’s life have never considered the increased vulnerability of a child with developmental disabilities. Provide education on sexual abuse prevention. Increasing awareness goes a long way in expanding the number of alert

Many of the adults in your child’s life have never considered the increased vulnerability of a child with developmental disabilities. Provide education on sexual abuse prevention. Increasing awareness goes a long way in expanding the number of alert caregivers and helpers who may detect an unsafe situation and feel empowered to speak up!