1. 5 STEPS To Protecting Our Children
Darkness To Light’s
5 STEPS
To Protecting Our Children

2. 5 Steps to Protecting Our Children
Darkness To Light
National nonprofit
Purpose to empower adults
Programs raise awareness
Adult education re recognition, prevention, responsible reaction
Child Sexual Abuse
Any sexual act between adult & minor/ 2 minors with 1 having power
Use of force/ persuasion with child
Includes exhibition, pornography, voyeurism & sexual communication

3. Step 1 - Learn the Facts
Estimated 1 in 10 sexually abused before 18th birthday
Youth victims 66% of reported sexual offenses
Youth 2.5 times more likely to be raped
40% of victims 11 or younger
9% of year olds receive sexual requests through social media

4. The greatest danger to children comes from family & friends –
Not from strangers

5. Child Sexual Abuse Facts
90% abused children know abuser
30% abused by relatives
60% abused by someone trusted
40% abused by older or larger children
10% abused by strangers

6. Child sexual abusers work hard at appearing trustworthy

7. CSA Consequences Post traumatic stress disorder Anxiety & depression
Substance abuse
Aggression, oppositionality & defiance
Self-inflicted harm/suicide
Delinquency
Poor school performance/dropout
Health problems
Sexual Promiscuity & Teen Pregnancy
Crime/violent offenses

8. Step 2 – Minimize Opportunity
80% CSA in isolated, one-on-one situations
Check location for hidden areas
Choose group situations/multiple adults
Interactions – can be seen/interrupted
No isolated/one-on-one older youth& younger children

9. Reduce the Risk. Ask for Best Practices -
Background checks
In-person interviews – new hires/volunteers
Reference checks
Policy re disclosures & discoveries
Code of conduct
Policy re inappropriate behavior, policy breaches, abuse suspicions
Prevention training

10. One-on-One Precautions
Drop in unexpectedly.
Ensure outings can be observed.
Talk with the child afterward.
Let adults caring for children you have been educated re child sexual abuse.

11. Step 3 -Talk About It 1. Threats
Open conversations with children/youth re sex, their bodies, boundaries
Understand why children are afraid to “tell”
1. Threats
2. Confusion re right/wrong
3. Abuse called “game”
4. Shame/blame
5. Too young to understand
Children are frequently afraid to tell adults they’ve been sexually abuse due to being shamed by the abuser who says it is the child’s fault, parents will be angry; they manipulate & confuse the child re right & wrong; sometimes an abuser may threaten the child or family; some children are too young to understand what is happening

12. Good Communication = Decrease in Vulnerabiltiy
One of the best protections is our relationship
with children
Inform children about their bodies, what abuse is, correct terms for anatomy, age-appropriate sex info
Teach children how to take care of their bodies & model this yourself
Impress upon children that secrets should not be kept from adults
Teach children what is appropriate & what is not re others & touch
Make sure they understand it is ok to tell anyone “No” to unwanted/ uncomfortable physical contact
Teach children not to give out personal info on the internet
Listen calmly

13. Step 4 – Recognize the Signs
Often no physical signs of sexual abuse but need professional attention if observed:
Bruising, bleeding
Urinary tract infections
STD’s
Discharge
Chronic stomach pain, headaches not explained medically
Emotional & behavioral signs are more common:
Withdrawal/depression
Anger, defiance
Agitation/inability to concentrate
Fear of situations/people
Inappropriate sexual behavior/language for age
Falling grades
Alcohol/drug use, especially at young age

14. Step 5 – React Responsibly
Find out where to go , whom to call & how to respond in the event a child discloses sexual abuse to you.

15. Responding to Risky Behaviors & Suspicions & Abuse Reports
Reasons to React to Sexual Abuse:
Child discloses abuse
Adult discovers abuse
Adult has reason to suspect abuse
Educators are mandated reporters in S.C.
Few reported incidents are false.

16. When a Child Discloses Offer Support :
Affirm belief in child’s disclosure & you are there to help
Express thanks for sharing; compliment courage to tell
Stress the abuse is not the child’s fault
Do not probe for details or “investigate”
Make report to DSS following district protocol

17. Act on Suspicions Trust yourself Do not make assumptions
Always think of the child’s safety before embarrassment of an adult
Remember it is illegal not to report; it is part of your professional, ethical, moral responsibility