Child sexual abuse is one of any parent’s biggest fears. Being well-informed about how you protect your children is essential, and numerous resources are available to help you learn more about this critical topic.
The following is a list of resources to learn more about preventing child sexual abuse. Please note that we don’t endorse any of these organizations, though they are all recognized as leaders in their field. Further, the approach many of these organizations promote – the “safe environment” approach – is not enough, in our opinion, to prevent sexual abuse.
Darkness to Light (D2L): Darkness to Light is a leading nonprofit organization that offers educational programs and resources to prevent child sexual abuse. Their website provides valuable information, online courses, and downloadable guides for parents and caregivers.
Stop It Now!: Stop It Now! is an organization focused on preventing child sexual abuse through education and outreach. Their website features articles, guides, and resources to help parents and caregivers protect children from abuse.
Prevent Child Abuse America: This organization offers a variety of resources to educate parents and caregivers about child sexual abuse prevention. They provide informative articles, tip sheets, and toolkits to help you protect your children.
Childhelp: Childhelp is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. Their website offers articles, guides, and fact sheets on child safety topics, including child sexual abuse prevention.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): The NCMEC provides resources for parents and caregivers on topics related to child safety, including child sexual abuse prevention. You can find tip sheets, publications, and safety guides on their website.
Parents for Megan’s Law: This organization focuses on preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation. They offer educational resources, videos, and materials to empower parents and caregivers to protect children.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): While primarily known for its work with survivors, RAINN also offers resources for prevention. They provide informative articles and guides on child sexual abuse prevention, helping parents and caregivers better understand the issue.
NetSmartz: NetSmartz, a program by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, focuses on online safety. Their resources help parents and caregivers educate children about online risks, including child sexual abuse.
Child Welfare Information Gateway: This resource, provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, offers many publications and resources related to child welfare and safety, including materials on child sexual abuse prevention.
Local and Regional Child Advocacy Centers: Many local and regional child advocacy centers offer workshops, seminars, and educational events on child sexual abuse prevention. These centers often provide valuable resources and training for parents and caregivers in your community.
In addition to these resources, engaging in open and age-appropriate conversations with your child(ren) about body safety, boundaries, and the importance of telling a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right is essential. Educating children in age-appropriate ways and creating trusting relationships where children feel comfortable sharing their concerns are crucial in child sexual abuse prevention.
Remember also that child sexual abuse prevention is an ongoing effort. Staying informed is a vital part of that process.
