Too many innocent children fall prey at the hands of sex offenders in their homes, relatives’ and friends’ homes, schools, churches, and communities. It is time for parents and other adults to become proactive, more informed and aware. 

Tips to prevent child sexual assault:

1. Listen to your kids. Many adults who survived sexual assault say in cases when they were sexually assaulted by a parent's lover, step parent or a family member, that they were not believed by their parent (s). 

2. Parents are responsible to protect their child. It is not the child's responsibility.

3. Pay close attention to changes in a child’s behavior. Sexual predators often use coaching/luring mechanisms with children. For example, a sexual predator may teach a child in his care to steal and be deceptive which my cause the child to seem less credible when exposing their abuse and victimization. Be also on guard if a child becomes suddenly clingy, irritable (perhaps cries a lot), or noncommunicative or distant after being left in the care of someone. Record and document any changes in your child's behavior -- regardless or whether it may be linked to assault or not. Documenting dates of changes in your child's behavior may pinpoint times of assault. Also know, you can't always expect obvious warning signs because sometimes signs of abuse are more subtle.

4. Know that child predators can be anyone — mothers, fathers, step-parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, babysitters, friends, neighbors, teachers, strangers and even other children. Use precaution when leaving your child in the care of anyone and never leave your child with someone you "just recently" met and/or are dating. Also, reduce one-adult-one-child opportunities/activities.

5. Be lury of anyone who is abnormally or overly attracted to your child. Watch their play and conversation with your child or make "spot checks" to check on your child if left in their care. For example, some sexual predators are aroused simply by holding a child in their lap. TAKE NO RISKS! Remember, there is nothing wrong with being paranoid if it will help protect your child from abuse.

6. Report any indecency with a child to police. Your child should not be exposed to sexuality by anyone or any sexual materials. Oftentimes, sexual predators will intentionally expose themselves to children, such as urinating in front of a child or posing nude, or expose children to pornography and other sexual materials and claim it was unintentional or occurred by accident.

7. Seek therapy and professional psychiatric help for a child(/and or teen) who has been abused or exposed. If you do not seek help, you will continue their victimization that can impact their teen and adult years. Free help is available. Many adults who survived sexual assault say in cases when they were sexually assaulted by a parent's lover, step parent or a family member, that their parent (s) chose to not disclose the abuse to the police or their immediate family (IT WAS KEPT A SECRET AND THE CHILD SUFFERED AND CONTINUES TO SUFFER AS AN ADULT).

Will you keep it a secret?

Will you believe your child or relative?

STOP THE ABUSE!!!!!

RELATIVES CAN HELP TOO! - REPORT ABUSE! - MAKE THE CALL TO POLICE!

Tips to keep kids safe

 Keep doors locked at all times and be alert for anyone, whether it's a stranger or acquaintance, who might be nearby as residents come and go from their homes. This is particularly true for those whose presence seems unusual.

Young children should always be in the custody of a trusted adult, but parents or guardians should also routinely check on older children who might be home alone.

There is safety in numbers, so if youngsters are going to school or heading home, they should stay together until a family member can take them home.

Tell children that they should always report activity that makes them fearful or uncomfortable. They can tell parents or other trusted adults like teachers, counselors or coaches.

Speak openly with children about safety matters. Children may be less likely to talk about issues that their parents find it difficult to discuss. If children feel that their parents are comfortable discussing the subject at hand, they may be more forthcoming.

SOURCE: Dallas Police Department

Volunteers needed for "Keep the Kids Safe” Community Walks

Who we need:

• People interested in walking to pass out English and Spanish flyers
• Spanish-speakers (optional)

What we use:

• Coolers on wheels w/ice
• Back packs
  
• Capri Suns
• Bottles of water
• Individual bags of chips or snacks

March 21- Merrifield Elementary School area, Duncanville, TX

Upcoming walks tba.

Other neighborhood walks are being scheduled throughout the year, so if there is an area you’d like to target, please let us know.

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JOIN OUR (APRIL) SEXUAL ASSAULT MONTH LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN:

Simply type or handwrite a signed letter encouraging First Lady Michelle Obama to speak out on childhood sexual assault and the importance of prevention and awareness for our nation, and get it to the ministry by April 15 for proper uniformed mail-off.

Let's put childhood sexual assault on our First Lady's itinerary and make it her agenda and platform.

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Helpful links:

Tool for teenage victims of crime

Darkness to Light

U.S. Project Safe Childhood

National Center for Victims of Crime