Family and Home Security Information

May 2nd, 2007

How Can I Protect My Child?

Posted by Home Security Authority in Child Safety, Internet Security, Sexual Assault


Submitted by archa on Thu, 2007-03-29 12:51.

While there is no sure-fire way to protect your child from all dangers, there are some steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of a sexual assault:

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

  • Tell your children that you are always there to talk about anything. Tell them that you are there to help them solve problems and to protect them.
  • Teach your children that it is against the “rules” for adults to act in a sexual way with children and use examples.
  • Teach your children that their bodies are their own and that it is OK if they don’t want a hug or other contact that might make them uncomfortable.
  • Speak to your children about using the proper names for their body parts. Armed with information, children are better able to report abuse to you.
  • Try to be relaxed when talking about these issues. If you are not tense while talking about these issues, then they are less likely to be worried about talking.
  • Talk to your children about sex when they show interest or curiosity.

Teach your children that it’s OK to say no and it’s OK to leave the situation.

  • Tell them that if someone does something to make them uncomfortable, they should tell that person that they are uncomfortable. Emphasize to them that if the person doesn’t listen, doesn’t stop, or continues to make them feel uncomfortable, they should tell someone — a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult.
  • Them them that if anyone touches them on the body parts that are covered by a bathing suit, then they should tell an adult they trust. Tell them that it is OK to say no and to leave the situation. Tell them that you can later figure out together if the person was trying to be helpful or not.

Trust your own instincts. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, follow up.

  • Call a hotline such as Darkness to Light (1.800.FOR.LIGHT) that can connect you to resources in your community, or the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1.800.4.A.CHILD).
  • Contact a local Children’s Advocacy Center. They coordinate professionals who are there to help in a case (legal, social services, medical, etc.). Contact the National Children’s Alliance (1.800.239.9950) to find a center near you.

Stay calm if a child discloses abuse to you, or hints at possible abuse.

  • Don’t overreact.
  • Believe the child and communicate that belief.
  • Thank the child for telling you and praise his or her courage for speaking up.
  • Emphasize that what happened was not the child’s fault, and that he or she did not deserve to be treated like that.
  • Encourage the child to talk, but don’t push for or imply details. Ask questions like, “What happened next?”
  • Get professional help for the child.
  • Tell the child that it is your responsibility to heel the child safe, and that you will do your best to protect him or her.
  • Report your suspicions of abuse to the local police or child protective services agency.

For information about Internet safety, download A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety from the FBI. The materials are available in English and Spanish.

For information about warning signs for childhood sexual abuse, visit The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also offers useful information for parents.

 

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May 2nd, 2007

Avoiding Dangerous Situations

Posted by Home Security Authority in Child Safety, Home Security, Sexual Assault

Avoiding Dangerous Situations

Submitted by archa on Thu, 2007-03-29 12:11.

While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
  • Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
  • Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
  • Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
  • Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags, because this can make you appear more vulnerable.
  • Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
  • Try not to allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or don’t know.
  • Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.

[tags sexual assault, reducing risk of sexual assault[/tags]

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April 27th, 2007

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips

Posted by Home Security Authority in Child Safety, Home Security, Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault Prevention

The majority of sexual assault perpetrators are not strangers — they are people you may be acquainted with such as neighbors, co-workers, or someone you are romantically involved with.

Educating yourself about the warning signs and what to do if you are attacked will help you minimize your risk factors.

Educating yourself about the warning signs and what to do if you are attacked will help you minimize your risk factors. Tips for Safeguarding Yourself Against Sexual Assault

  • Plan your route and avoid shortcuts through vacant lots, alleys, or parks.
  • Walk in well-lit areas and do not walk alone.
  • Don’t go to isolated areas such as laundry rooms and basements alone.
  • Have your key ready before you approach your vehicle or home.
  • Look inside your car before you get in.  Get into your vehicle quickly and lock the door first — even before you put your seat belt on.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and people around you.
  • If you think you are being followed, do not go home.  Change directions and look for open stores, restaurants or a police or fire station.
  • If you return home and find that your doors or windows have been tampered with, do not go inside — go to a neighbor’s or friend’s house and call the police.
  • Never allow strangers to use your telephone.  Offer to make the call instead while they wait outside.  Keep your door locked while making the call.

    • What to do if You are Attacked

    • Try to escape.  Scream, yell, fight, kick and run.  Scream the word “fire” as it has been shown to grab the attention of onlookers more quickly.
    • Talk to stall for time and assess the situation.
    • If your attacker has a weapon, do whatever it takes to stay alive.
    • If your attacker tries to move you to another location, do whatever it takes to prevent going.
    • If you are assaulted preserving all physical evidence will help law enforcement authorities catch the perpetrator.  Do not shower, bathe, change clothes or throw anything you were wearing away.
    • Report rape or sexual assault immediately to Public Safety at 280-2911.  Trained officers will respond and assist you immediately.

    Preventing Acquaintance or Date Rape

    • No means no.  Be clear about your sexual boundaries.
    • Do not use drugs or alcohol.  They decrease your ability to take care of yourself and make decisions that are right for you.  Remember the three second rule about a drink — no matter what you are drinking, do not let it out of your sight for more than three seconds.  Do not accept a drink from someone you don’t know and trust.  It’s always best to get your own drink.
    • Trust your instincts.  If something doesn’t feel right to you, leave.  Make sure you have money for transportation or have a ride home.
    • Meet a first date or blind date in a public place.  Drive yourself or have a friend drive you and agree to pick you up.
    • Leave social events with your friends — not with someone you just met.

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