The good news is that reported cases of child sexual abuse have dropped 75% over the past 25 years. The decline could be attributed to greater awareness of the problem and/or better education and training. Many of the terrible stories we hear today date back long before.
But that means nothing unless your child is similarly aware, reports Rachel Rabkin Peachman in the November 16 New York Times WELL section. They should know “their body belongs to them,” one professor told Peachman.
Rachel Simmons of Girls Leadership adds that kids should trust their feelings and intuition, and that both should be respected by others. “Self advocacy can only happen when you authorize your own feelings.”
The article suggests many wise steps, as well as how to watch for possible signs of abuse.
