Sexual Abuse of Children
Handout 5 - Module 1 Topic 4Guidelines for caregivers to help prevent sexual abuse
Parents / guardians / caregivers:- Show affection and attention to your child. Children who do not feel loved
are more likely to be sexually abused because they seek attention from others - Talk to children about child sexual abuse. Ask them if they are worried or
uncomfortable about anything that someone said or did to them. This is
the responsibility of both male and female parents or caregivers - Be cautious about who looks after for your children
- Do not send them to stay with other people, if possible
- Do not send your children out alone, especially after dark
- Teach your children self-defence and life skills
- Treat children well
- If children are in your care, behave like a good parent. Think about the
dangers of sexual abuse and teach the child how to protect him or herself.
Tell your children:- To be careful of being alone with anyone who could abuse them
- That if someone frightens them, they must run away and shout loudly for
help - To avoid dark or lonely places like isolated well-sides and empty buildings
(even churches) - To avoid walking around on their own and to stay in a group, if possible
- To avoid other people’s bedrooms and bathrooms
- Not to go to public toilets or latrines on their own
- To think about what they wear
- That even friends can sexually abuse them
- To report anyone who tells them to do anything that makes them feel
uncomfortable and may lead to sexual abuse - Not to accept a present or money from a stranger or someone who they
wouldn’t normally expect it from - Not to enter the vehicle of an unknown adult, even if that adult seems
friendly - Not to go into the houses of neighbours, teachers, religious leaders or other
adults on their own.
(^310) Appendix 1, Handouts Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children