7 Steps to Protecting our Children from Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Abuse

Step 1 Learn the facts, understand the risks: Become aware of the significant threat children face from sexual abuse. Make decisions for children based on the facts rather than level of trust in others.

Step 2 Minimize opportunity: If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations, you’ll dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for your child.

Step 3 Talk about it: Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken by talking openly about it.

Step 4 Stay Alert: Do not expect there to be obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Signs of abuse are often present-but the signs are often emotional or behavioral, not physical or verbal.

Step 5 Make a plan: Learn where to go, who to call and how to react in the best interest of your child even if you have no suspicions that your child is being sexually abused. Formulating plans in advance benefits you and your child should abuse occur.

Step 6 Act on Suspicions: Being a silent bystander to sexual abuse could contribute to a lifetime of psychological and emotional problems for a child victim.

Step 7 Get Involved: Volunteer and financially support organizations that fight the tragedy of child sexual abuse. Use your voice to vote to make your community a safer place for our children.

Participants will receive certification in 7 Steps to Protecting our Children from Sexual Abuse

When: Saturday November 29, 2008

Time: 9am-1pm

Where: Women’s Resource Centre, Ground Fl. Elizabethan Sq.

Facilitated by: Cindy Blekaitis, WRC Counsellor & Educational Facilitator

Please call 949-0006 to Pre-register

Space is limited

Refreshments will be provided

Women's Resource Centre: Empowerment Through Information and Education

7 Steps to Protecting our Children from Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Abuse