by Virginia L. Allen

Created on: April 28, 2009   Last Updated: April 29, 2009

It's a subject few of us want to dwell on - the subject of sexual abuse of children. However, considering the prevalence of such "crimes against innocence", the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our children, necessitates that we find ways to protect them from sexual predators.

A world report compiled by an independent expert for the UN, estimated that 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 years of age experienced "forced sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual violence." (the majority of the sexual perpetrators were relatives!) - "Awake!" As staggering as those numbers are, the report continued: "This is certainly an underestimate!"

"Awake!" provides three basic steps parents can take to protect their children from sexual predators, as outlined below:

* Become Your Child's First Line Of Defense.

It is the parents primary responsibility to protect their children against sexual abuse. Therefore, become your child's first line of defense by:

1.) Educating yourself on the tactics of a sexual predator such as:

a.) targeting children who seem to be vulnerable and trusting - thus relatively easy to control

b.) striving to win the trust of the parents

c.) grooming the child for abuse by:

- gradually becoming more physical with the child through innocent-looking displays of affection - playful tickling or wrestling

- giving the child generous gifts

- separating the child from friends, siblings, and parents

- requesting the child keeps some minor secret

d.) exploiting the child's natural curiosity about sex - offering to act as a "teacher," or suggesting that they play a "special game" together

e.) exposing the child to pornography in order to make such behavior seem normal

f.) resorting to threats, blackmail, blame, or a combination of these if he succeeds in molesting the child

2.) Be actively involved in your child's friendships, activities, and schoolwork. Thereby, making your child a difficult target.

3.) Be a good listener - since children rarely disclose abuse directly; listen carefully for direct/verbal and subtle/nonverbal clues regarding any sexual abuse. Calmly use questions to draw him/her out. Do not be so quick to dismiss anything that is said. Provide the needed support necessary for recovery.

* Give Your Child Some Much Needed Background Education.

It is useful to remember that children who are ignorant about sex, are much easier for sexual predators to fool. Starting early; teach your children about their different body parts (use the body parts

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