Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Keeping Kids Safe: Preventing Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Ranging from sexual abuse inflicted on children by the clergy to sexual assaults by caregivers, school councelors, and other adults, surviving a sexual abuse will forerver impact the lives of the victim and their families.
The harsh reality is that every family in America has either been personally impacted or knows someone who has. Prevention is the only proven effective solution to this crisis.
Sexual violence against kids is one of the biggest social problems today, shattering the innocence of thousands of children each year and leaving in its wake devastating long-term personal and societal consequences.
By age 18, one in three girls and one in six boys will have personally faced the emotional and physical trauma of sexual violence, including rape, molestation, exploitation, child pornography and other hands-on and hands-off sex crimes.
Preventing Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is not the easiest topic to talk about. Some people want to act as if it is not there or suggest that someone else is responsible for the solution. Others refuse to think that adults so close and trusted by vulnerable young kids would do the kinds of things that are done all too often.
The bottom line is that it is an immense problem that needs the commitment, involvement and resources of many to make a difference and end the shattered innocence of kids.
SAFE NOW PROJECT
SAFE NOW PROJECT, has a goal to build a strong coalition of advocates willing to become change agents for child safety and protection. Senior citizens, business leaders, parents, legislators, and teens…regardless of your age and role in the community, you CAN make a difference.
Teach your children to take 5 SAFER steps to be safe NOW!
S = Stop and Think
Stop and think about your safety.
Do not let people rush you or push you into things if you have doubts. Stay in thinking mode and trust your instincts. If someone is trying to make you do something that does not feel right, say no, get away from them immediately and seek help.
A = Act to protect yourself
Be aware of which actions might lead you into danger and which actions will protect you. Always let others know where you are going and avoid having risky secrets. Remember, alcohol and other drugs will stop you thinking clearly and might lead you into dangerous situations.
F = Fight for your right to safety
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation fight, yell and scream in order to attract attention. Let others know immediately in the loudest and most visible ways that you are in danger. Learn simple ways to defend yourself but remember that avoiding situations that put you at risk is always better than having to fight your way out.
E = Encourage others stay safe
If your friends act safely they will create a safe environment for you all. Protect each other by looking out for your friends and have them look out for you. If you are going alone into a new situation tell someone where you will be, do not keep dangerous secrets. Form a pact with someone you trust to look out for each other.
R = Remember
Remember the ‘Help Me' sign. Remember there is always someone to help. At anytime I need to talk to someone, I can call 1-800-448-3000.
Anyone can report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting abuse or neglect can protect a child and get help for a family. It may even save a child’s life!
If a child close to you is suffering, contact us today so that we can assist in recovering both financial compensation and justice, allowing the child to move on with his or her life as best they can.
After decades of wining tough cases and securing millions of dollars for injured victims, attorney Thomas Kiley is known as the “Million Dollar Man“. Make sure that the injured child in your life is represented by an experienced, knowledgeable, hard-hitting Boston child abuse lawyer.
Call 1-888-208-1695 today.
FREE Consultations.
