Welcome to Day 11 of Safe & Sound!

For this last week of Safe & Sound, we’re focusing on one of the most common forms of abuse we see at KIDS Center: child sexual abuse. We understand this topic can be very uncomfortable to think about. We will not share any details about any instances of child sexual abuse. But our discussions this week may still feel difficult—especially if you or someone you care about has been impacted by this form of abuse.

If you find yourself being triggered or having an intense emotional response, please take care of yourself. If you have a personal counselor or therapist, reach out to them. You can also contact KIDS Center and speak to one of our therapists. We can help you find additional resources for yourself.

WHAT PARENTS GET WRONG.

“This would never happen to my child.”

If you’re thinking that, just know this—every family impacted by child sexual abuse believed that once too. Child sexual abuse can happen to any family. Let’s pause for a moment and let that sink in.

You may think that child sexual abuse issue is a “larger city” issue and it doesn’t happen in our community. But the reality is that hundreds of children in Central Oregon are sexually abused each year. This form of abuse doesn’t discriminate. It happens in every community, to families of every race, gender, religion, and socioeconomic background.

YOUR CHILD WILL BE SAFER IF YOU FACE THESE FACTS.

To protect you child, you first need to understand the severity of sexual abuse. Once you look at the facts, you can appreciate just how grave of a danger sexual abuse is to kids everywhere.

• 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 3 girls will experience child sexual abuse by their 18th birthday.

• Over 90% of the time, a child has a loving and trusting relationship with the person that abuses them.

• The majority of instances, (around 80%) happen in secret.

• 40-60% of the time, children are abused by older and more powerful children.

• Any instance of abuse—and specifically sexual abuse—can have lasting effects long into adulthood.

• The younger the child, the longer it can take for them to disclose sexual abuse.

• Only 30% of children disclose sexual abuse during childhood.

• Adults take 20 to 50 years to disclose childhood sexual abuse.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY:

Practice boundaries with your child. Engaging in role-play can help children understand how to react in uncomfortable situations. Parents can create scenarios where children practice boundaries, learn to say "no," identify trusted adults they can talk to, and understand their rights to their own body. An older child or teen can still learn from scenarios and discussions about consent and boundaries. Let them know that you are a safe space that will believe them if anything were to happen.

Learn more about sexual abuse here.

That’s it for Day 11! See you tomorrow!