CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18.
That is a sobering statistic for many parents and adults who have children or children in their care at that age. For myself, with two boys who are under 18, I was surprised to find out the number was that high for child sexual abuse, and what was more surprising was to find out who the perpetrators were of this type of crime.
For some people, it might be the usual suspects: the stranger at the park who might be too interested in what the kids are doing. But more often than not, child sexual abuse is usually committed by adults known by the child or the family of the child. According to one research estimate, more than 90 percent of children who are sexually abused know their abuser. It could be a close friend of the family, a relative, a coach or anyone who is put into a position of trust where it concerns children.
What is the point of the statics I have mentioned? It is not to frighten parents and caregivers, but to make them aware, of steps they can take to protect children from sexual abuse, or to identify it promptly if it is suspected.
One such step is by attending the Darkness to Light Steward's of Children Prevention and Response Program for adults Aug. 26.
The program is designed around the "Seven Steps to Protecting Our Children Program." The steps help you identify symptoms and signs a child may be or is being sexually abused.
This short but informative training program gives you the tools you need to protect the children in your life. Whether you are a parent or a person who works in any youth orientated program, the information you receive during this training will help you not only protect children from sexual abuse, but you will start to learn ways to help identify children who are victims of this crime.
When I arrived to observe the Steward's of Children Prevention and Response Program for Adults Aug. 14, I was invited to take part in the class, and although I don't belong to any organization that services youth, or work in a career field that has a lot of contact with children, I am a mother. My two little boys go to school, they participate in sports, they have an extended family we visit with throughout the course of the year.
While I want my boys to be involved in every facet of life and to meet people who will broaden their horizons, I want to them to be safe and comfortable in every situation they may find themselves in or I may place them in.
I don't want to steal the thunder of the presenter for the class, but I want people to know this is one class they should attend if they have contact with children. Protecting our children from this horrendous crime is one major way to ensure our children grow up to be productive, healthy, happy adults.
If you're interested in signing up for the Stewards of Children Training Program, call the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program at 963-7272. Or if you are not able to attend this training, go to www.d2l.org to find out where and when a class will be held in your local area.