We in the martial arts are big proponents of self defense. It’s kind of our thing. I feel that in our day and age self defense needs to cover a whole lot more than just defending a right hand punch. The real threats to our families are much more insidious. In this article I would like to discuss ways to avoid and deal with child abuse of any kind- emotional, violent, or sexual.
Most of these tips are taken directly from the Darkness to Light website, www.d2l.org. This non-profit organization goes into a great deal more detail than I will here and I encourage you to read further on their website-add link here. My goal today is to open up a discussion on this subject, I recognize that this may be uncomfortable and touchy for some, but it is important.
Tips for Parents:
If You Eliminate or Reduce One-Adult/One-Child Situations, You’ll Dramatically Lower the Risk of Sexual Abuse for Children.
2. Do Background Checks.
If anybody is going to be doing stuff with your kids take the time to check them out. This isn’t foolproof, but it sure can let you know if there is a history you don’t want influencing your family.
3. Stay Alert, follow your gut, and talk about it.
Look for signs that something might be off with your kids. Follow your intuition about this. As Darkness to Light says, children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about it. Honest dialogue works.
4. Listen to your child and contact the police.
NEVER take what your kids tell you on this matter lightly. If your child tells you somebody is abusing them contact the police immediately.
Tips for Kids:
1. Follow your gut.
If a situation with an adult, whether you know them or not, seems creepy or not right then it’s not right. Leave, find your parents, and tell them how you felt. They care, will listen, and need to know.
2. Good touch and bad touch.
It is not okay for anybody to touch your private areas. If somebody does, asks to, or seems to want to, tell your parents or teachers.
3. Tell.
Talk to your parents or teachers honestly if something isn’t right or you just feel like something isn’t right. They will listen and they will help you.
Here is a list of references and other resources on the subject that you may wish to look at. This is by no means all of them.
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