Parents and providers of care for children are clearly much better educated about the symptoms of sexual abuse than was the case a decade ago. More importantly, because the symptoms are frequently so subtle, children are finally being educated about the problem. The recent proliferation of sexual abuse prevention programs for children is a first step in developing such programs as part of the standard curriculum for young children in preschools, day care centers, and elementary schools. However, the current focus of many programs on teaching preschool children to prevent abuse by saying "no" must be augmented with other important messages and skills training. Because of their respect for authority figures and the ease with which they can be overpowered and intimidated, it must be expected that many young children will be unable to say "no," even if they would like to and know it is the "right" thing to do.

Therefore, an additional major focus of prevention programs for children must be on the fact that sometimes children get abused no matter what they try to do, and on encouraging them to tell someone if that happens. Concepts such as "It's not your fault," "Never keep a bad or scary secret," and "Always tell your parents about this, especially if someone says you shouldn't tell them," are emphasized in most existing programs. In addition, it is important to alert children to the kinds of threats they might receive in order to keep them from revealing the abuse. Knowing that they will be believed and won't get in trouble, that they or their families won't be harmed or killed, and that their parents would never stop loving them will help them resist believing such threats if they should ever hear them from someone who has molested them.

The recent upsurge of sexual abuse in child car settings suggests that these children and their families are in special need of preventive education. Presentations to young children are most likely to be understood and retained when they are given over a period several short sessions, using language and tools that will help them to p ss the difficult concepts presented.

Because young children are so vulnerable to molestation, better societal controls over child care facilities are also essential. There is a great need for more licensed day care facilities in this country. There is also a need for better screening of, monitoring of, and accountability from the employees in these settings. In addition to educating parents, it is also necessary to educate preschool and day care center administrators and teachers about how to recognize symptoms of sexual abuse in play and classroom settings, what must be reported, and how to make a report of suspected abuse.

Currently, there is a crisis in many child care settings over the fear of unfounded allegations of sexual abuse. This fear may drive some qualified child care providers out of the profession, while others are becoming afraid to touch children or even to be alone with them. Others avoid such common acts as changing a child's diaper or wiping a child's bottom because they fear being falsely accused of molestation. (see SEXUALY ABUSED CHILDREN | PREVENTION PART II)

About The Author
David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Male Enhancement Herbal Products company known as Male Enhancement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing male enhancement products in order to determine which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2011 David Crawford of Male Enhancement Natural Supplements This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.