I Can Be the Solution by.... Getting Parents Involved!

Whether you are an advocate or educator, it is important to look for opportunities to engage parents, caregivers, and other adults in your community on the topic of child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention. While we want to teach children how to stay safe, this must be balanced by the message that adults are ultimately responsible for protecting children and creating a community that does not tolerate CSA. 

Coordinating an event that is geared towards parents and caretakers will allow you to provide information and education on how adults can keep children safe and start the conversation about sexual abuse.  These events will also serve as important reminders to the community that your agency provides a continuum of services to children and their nonoffending caregivers.

The resources listed below can be used to start a conversation, given to those attending your event, or can be used in your presentation. 

• WCSAP's Start the Conversation brochure provides adults with facts about child sexual abuse, ways to talk to children, and how to respond to a disclosure. Available for download in English and Spanish.  
• This tip sheet from Stop it Now! provides good guidance for parents on how to effectively and appropriately talk to their children and teens about sexual abuse. 
• Understanding and Protecting your Children from Child Molestors and Predators is a more comprehensive resource that explains the who, what, and why of child sexual abuse and how parents can protect and support their children.   
• The Childhood Stories documentary created by Darkness to Light is approximately 20 minutes long and would be a great introduction to talking about their 7 Steps to Protecting Our Children.