Featured photo: Taking the initiative to learn the signs of abuse can help to reduce a nationwide problem. damircudic, 2018, E+, Getty Images
According to a study from Nurse Education Today, about 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Child abuse is a prevalent and devastating problem. But, with Active Bystanding, there are measures you can take to fight against it.
Darkness to Light is a program that works to end child sexual abuse (SA). The program defines an Active Bystander as someone who notices or suspects a bad situation with a child and does something about it.
The program teaches 3 important ways you can educate yourself to become an Active Bystander: prevention, recognition, and reaction.
Prevention
It is never a victim’s fault for whatever happens to them. But with prevention measures, you can arm your children with the knowledge of knowing what’s right vs. wrong.
A study from the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse found that as children begin to develop, it is critical to teach them the names of their body parts. Teaching labels allows children to recognize themselves and develop body protection skills.
Once children are taught this, it is imperative to teach them about body safety zones – which areas are appropriate or inappropriate to touch. The ability to have effective conversations about topics related to sexuality can teach kids clear boundaries, openness, create comfort, and reduce shame.
This way, in the event of a harmful incident, a child may be more likely to tell a parent or a trusted adult about it.
Recognition
Being an Active Bystander means being able to recognize signs of child SA. Most of the time, victims are afraid to report incidents on their own. Especially because, in most cases, children already know their attacker.
It is critical to be actively aware of any strange interactions directed towards a child. A perpetrator could be a coach, teacher, friend, grandparent, parent, or other person in the child’s circle.
Learn more about what physical and/or emotional signs to look for to help intervene.
Reaction
An active bystander’s main duty is to react to any suspicion, discovery, or disclosure of child SA.
- A suspicion is a based assumption that SA occurred.
- Discovery is when you or someone else witnesses an act.
- Disclosure is when a child shares information about an incident.
If any of these occur, you must report them to law enforcement or child protective services.
Nurse Education Today found that only 38% of children who are abused have the courage to tell someone. That leaves 62% unheard! Kobus Louw, 2023, E+, Getty Images.
As an Active Bystander, you can take great measures to address child SA. Abuse can happen to anyone, and it is out of your control. Always stay aware, knowledgeable, and ready to prevent, protect, and react.
That is what you can control.
