Macon County Child Advocacy Center

• Do not leave young children alone or unattended. Predators, young and old, hang out in parks, shopping malls, and near schools and homes just waiting for an opportunity. Children do not have the awareness or skills to defend themselves. This is the adults’ responsibility.
• Teach children rules of “stranger danger”, but don’t forget most abusers are known to children. Help kids practice how to refuse being lured to a car, or unpopulated place.
• Carefully choose caretakers for your children. Most children are abused by people they know. Do thorough background checks and call references.
• Set boundaries and firmly communicate your expectations of physical and emotional boundaries to all adults caring for your child. This includes all family members, step-parents, and babysitters. Practice modesty and teach body privacy rules.
• Teach “right touch, wrong touch”. Help children learn the difference between right and wrong touches. Teaching tools are available at the Center.
• Guard internet use and use parental software.
• Teach children assertiveness skills and how to say “NO!” to unwanted invitations or touches. Practice with them what they should do when they feel uncomfortable or afraid. There are times when it’s ok to refuse adults.
• LISTEN to your children. BELIEVE them. Sometimes information and disclosures of abuse come out in bits and pieces. Pay attention.

For more information on prevention of child abuse, contact the Center, or seek additional resources from Prevent Child Abuse Illinois www.preventchildabuseillinois.com.