According to Darkness to Light, more than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in one adult/one child situations.
A call to action: Reduce the risk by minimizing one-on-one adult/child situations. Abusers work to gain access building both your trust and the trust of your children. Abusers are usually known to you rather than strangers. They can include family friends, members of your immediate or extended family, and people in the community. Abusers outside the family sometimes work to become part of the family, to join in activities, and to gain one-on-one time with kids. Be aware when someone singles out a child as “special” and creates reasons to do things alone with him or her. As much as possible, make sure there are multiple adults to supervise, including situations where older youth have access to younger children whether these are family gatherings or community events. Little children do not always have words to tell us. Observe how they act. Give them permission to not be hugged or kissed or touched by others including those they are related to. This helps children learn that they can set a boundary and that it will be respected. Be aware when children are missing from the group or return from play or other activities and appear to be distressed or withdrawn. Let kids know that you are there for them and that they can tell you anything without fear.
