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Safeguarding children from two-legged monsters-Tips for Parents
By Racquel Piper
Mar 26, 2019 - 9:15:08 AM

In today’s world, the need to achieve “happiness” is a constant pursue; the blueprint to achieve this is often methodically strategized and swiftly implemented.

On the other hand, there is a greater need growing daily, the need to protect vulnerable children from the “two-legged monster(s);” monsters that are often found in their homes and communities. Who will protect them, and whose responsibility is it? The answer, everyone, and more importantly, those that can make decisions that impact the lives of children. Let’s Talk about protecting children from the two-legged monster(s).

It is a known fact that most children are terrified of scary monster(s); But what about the two-legged monster(s) that is not scary looking? The one that lives in the same house as its victim(s) or visits regularly; The one that has a familiar name and is not a stranger.

The two-legged monster(s) described is humanlike in nature; ones that have familiar faces and smiles; but behind the smile is an unknown monster that most parents, community, and even the child do not know, until the monster attacks his or her victim. These two-legged -monsters are not always scary; in fact, they are not seen as monsters at all but caring, charismatic, and in some cases nurturing.

So how do we begin to safeguard our children from these two legged-monsters? We can start by ensuring everyone that has or will have contact with a child(ren) is equipped with the knowledge to detect and report sexual abuse.  Research shows us that children 13 and under are most vulnerable to sexual abuse. Knowing this puts a demand on agencies serving children to ensure their employees are equipped to recognize signs of sexual abuse, make objective reports, and learn how to interact with the victim(s) so that he or she is not re-victimized.

Safeguarding child(ren) from two-legged monsters-Tips for Parents:

• Never assume a predator is a stranger. A predator does not have to be a stranger, he or she can be a parent, step-parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, neighbor, teacher, pastor, or clergy, in other words, it can be anyone. 
 
• Build a rapport with your child(ren), so that if someone attempts to or had sexually abused your child(ren), he or she will feel comfortable to tell you what had happened; never make your child(ren) feel as though it is his or her fault.

• To help eliminate potential sexual abuse, monitor one on one child and adult interactions in closed places; always know your child’s whereabouts and who is around him or her.
 
• Respect your child(ren) personal space; Never force your child(ren) to greet someone with a hug or kiss, regardless of family traditions.

• Let your child(ren) know it is ok to say no! when someone asks him or her for a kiss or a hug. 
 
• Take the time to teach your toddler the proper name of parts on his or her body; doing this can help toddlers report what body part(s) they are speaking about at the time of disclosure.