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Family counseling and dealing with different family situations were the topics of importance at the 2017 Couples Conference. For the professional counselors and those who are studying the practice, it was an opportunity to share their experiences with different families as they help them manage their lives together as a unit. For families who had and were still suffering from burdens of misunderstanding, domestic abuse, father-son relationships, etc., this was their pass to getting more suggestions and more help from the experts.
In relation to one of the much-discussed topics in the event, we are dedicating this information to all the parents worldwide. Below are two important ways in which you can protect your child from sexual abuse.
As a parent, be a part of your child’s life. This way, you can talk to her about the signs of sexual assault, and she will understand it easier because you are consistently involved. It is best to let your child know that you are interested in what she does. At the end of the day, ask her what she did and who she was with. Who does she sit with during her lunch breaks? Know who her friends are and talk with them. Better yet, know their parents. It’s one of the best ways to get to know your child’s friends, and it would be more of a relief to you.
Another way of securing your child’s safety is to choose a caregiver that is efficient and trustworthy. Of course, you’ll only get to know this by first investigating your caregiver’s profile and past experiences. You may also want to talk with your child about what she may be seeing on television – physical and sexual violence are usually present. Then you can ask her, “Have you heard about sexual abuse before? Do you want to learn how to protect yourself from things like these?”
Encourage your child to talk to you and talk to others. When your child knows that her voice is essential, she will be confident to speak to someone when something goes wrong. If she is having trouble speaking up, you can start with small conversations that would allow her to open up to you. Ask her how she feels. Eventually, when she gets used to opening up, she will no longer be afraid to seek help when she needs it.
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Lastly, let your child know that no matter what she will say, she will always be loved and protected by you and that she won’t get in trouble for it. Remove the fear in her by embracing her and making her feel your love. Sexual abuse is rampant today. You need all the help you can get as a parent, but it will be easier if your child knows how to deal with it in the first place – and that is by working with you.