Child abuse is tragic, but also preventable

Victims of child abuse are subject to illnesses and emotional problems ranging from depression and suicide to prostitution and teen pregnancy and much more. There is a great possibility of repeating the abuse as adults. Forty percent of sex offenders report being sexually abused as children.

What saddens me more is the lack of information available to parents on how to protect children from these predators. When details of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse case came to light, people asked me, “How is abuse like that allowed to happen?” And “How do I protect my own child from someone like that?” There are no simple answers to these questions, but one fact is clear: Child abuse happens when adults don't know how to recognize the abuse or they fail to report what they suspect.

The statistics are staggering: One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted before age 18; 90 percent of the perpetrators are people known and trusted by the child.

Parents need to know the warning signs. Sexual predators “groom” the parent first. They ingratiate themselves into the lives of the parent and child, just like in the Sandusky case. Then, the predator will try to find ways to spend time alone with the child. He may offer to take the child somewhere or baby-sit so the parent can have a break. Be wary of anyone who wants to spend time alone with your child.