Were You Abused?
Call Today: 1-866-777-2557
If you were sexually abused as a child by a priest, deacon or any other member of the Catholic Church, you are not alone. We are here to help you. Please fill out our confidential online contact form or call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 and a Maine Sexual Abuse Lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your possible case. Help is available nationwide. There is no cost to investigate and there are no legal fees unless you receive financial compensation. Making the call is sometimes the hardest step, but it is often a necessary step on the road to healing. Church Sexual Assault Lawyer Maine
Reasons to call
Please call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or fill out our confidential contact form and a lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your case. Maine Church Sexual Assault Lawyer
What Steps Can be Taken to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse?
It’s estimated that one in three girls and almost one in five boys are sexually abused during childhood or adolescence. With numbers like these, it’s paramount for parents to stay vigilant in protecting their children from predators. While most people prefer to not think about child sexual abuse, it is a problem that all of society faces. The tips listed below can help to prevent a child from this type of abuse, but it’s important to remember that parents and caregivers need to remain alert at all times.
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1 - Talk With Your Child
When talking to your child about sexual abuse, you don’t want to scare them. The younger they are the more simple you need to keep the conversation. Simply tell them that it’s not okay for anyone to touch them in the area their bathing suit would cover, with the exception of parents or caregivers who are helping to clean them. Let them know doctors can also touch them during an examination but only when a parent is present. If someone does touch them in this area, let them know they need to tell you immediately.
2 - Know Who to Watch Out For
No one wants to think there’s a predator in their midst, but the reality is that an estimated 80 to 90 percent of abusers know their victim. It’s usually someone who is around your child a lot, and about 95 percent of the time the predator is male.
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3 - No Keeping Secrets
Sexual predators often trick kids into not telling anyone what they are doing by telling the child it’s their ‘secret’ and just between them. From the time a child is young they need to understand that they should never keep secrets and parents need to not tell their own child secrets to avoid any confusion of the child.
4 - Who’s Your Coach?
Sexual predators often put themselves in positions with constant contact with children. They often work as coaches, teachers, scout leaders, and counselors. Make sure to talk with these people frequently as most pedophiles prefer parents who aren’t involved. They will know you are paying attention. Also listen to what your child says the adult tells them. Sexual predators will often try to groom their victims by making them feel special.
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5 - Believe What Your Child Says
It has been proven to be extremely rare that a child will lie about sexual abuse. If a child offers information about abuse, listen to them and ask questions. Let them know it’s not their fault. Then, contact local authorities who can take a report and begin the process of dealing with the perpetrator on a legal basis. The police will also be able to refer parents to a qualified victim’s advocate or psychiatrist to further help the child.
Church Sexual Assault Lawyer Maine
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