7 Ways We Can Protect Our Children From Being Scarred For Life

Posted: September 21, 2015

Child sexual abuse leaves more than just scars, it leaves deep, permanent imprints.

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.”

–Hellen Keller

Betrayal is too merciful a word when we look through the unsuspecting eyes of a child; the eyes that once saw that person as a friend; the mind that believed he or she was a friend. But now all the child knows is pain. His or her faith crushed, belief broken, trust shattered. The child tries to call for help but help is elusive when no one believes you. So no matter how hard he or she cries, no one listens. No matter how hard he or she tries, the pain doesn’t stop.

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As parents, it is our duty to protect our children from opportunistic predators waiting for the right moment to pounce on our ever vulnerable children. Best we can do is remaining vigilant all the time. However, here are 7 suggestions that can be used to save our bundles of joy not only from losing their innocence before time but also from getting brutally scarred for life; because child sexual abuse leaves more than just scars, they leave deep permanent imprints.

1.Give them age appropriate knowledge about their bodies

Education is the best policy. It is not a taboo. Educate your children about their body parts from a very early age. Although they might not understand fully what you are trying to say because they are too young, age-appropriate teaching and continuous awareness will bear fruit.

Educate your children about their body parts from a very early age.

2.Teach them to respect their bodies as well as those of others

Children are by birth inquisitive in nature and as they grow their curiosity regarding body parts increases. Tell them it is fine to explore bodies but only when it is your body. Also exploration should be done only in private and not in front of anyone. Our body is ours and we should respect it. Similarly we should respect other’s bodies too. Talk about it in a matter-of-fact manner because your present approach will determine their levels of communication in future.

3.Take control of your inhibitions; talk about it. It is not a taboo

Opening the doors of communication is the only way to break the ice. Talk to your child about everything. It is your duty to impart knowledge and protect them. The more you talk to them the more they will open up. Drop your inhibitions and they will shed theirs.

4. Open your eyes; you might be able to save a life

Raise your voice, speak up! It might not be your child but they are our future. Today it is someone else’s child tomorrow it might be yours. Be vigilant, open your eyes and you might be able to save a young and innocent mind from getting scarred for life.

5. Listen to your child; open the doors of communication

If your child is telling you specifically about an adult, listen to them. Because a young and innocent mind is not able to comprehend why it’s happening and what is happening to him/her. You are the last hope for help. Listen to your child; do not dismiss them bluntly in the pretext of childish behaviour. Open the gates of communication; stand by your child and you might restore the faith that was lost.

Listen to your child; do not dismiss them bluntly in the pretext of childish behaviour. Open the gates of communication; stand by your child and you might restore the faith that was lost.

6. Believe them when fingers are pointed; you might be their last hope

You might have heard stories of endless squabbles that might be taking place in your child’s school. But pointing of fingers, change of behaviour in your otherwise bubbly child should ring alarm bells. Being vigilant is the only way to stop the abuse and help your child to overcome this miserable experience. Believe in them because you might be their last hope.

“It is not your fault!” Say this to your child; say this to yourself.

7. Give the child the attention and affection he/she is seeking. Assure them it is not their fault

“It is not your fault!” Say this to your child; say this to yourself. Pedophiles are mentally sick people and it is neither your fault nor your child’s fault if they have fallen victim to these predators. What others say won’t bother your child; but what you say will do. An assurance from you on something you believe will help them in confiding in you and you will be able to restore their faith in adults once more.