118 p r e v e n t i n g s e x u a l a b u s e
Why is my child at risk for sexual abuse?
Sometimes adults feel like they have the right to use a child sexually.
Sometimes older children do not realize they are doing something bad.
All children are at risk for sexual abuse because they trust adults and
older children, and depend on them for care. This makes it difficult to
say ‘no’ to them. Very young children also have less developed thinking
skills and do not know what is acceptable adult behavior.
Children with disabilities are especially at risk for sexual abuse because
they must often depend on other people for care even more than
children who do not have disabilities. In addition, children who are
blind or cannot see well:
• may have less developed communication skills. This can make it
difficult for them to understand what you say about their safety. It
can also make it harder for you to understand them if they try to tell
you about abuse.
• may have less information about their bodies, and the differences
between boys’ and girls’ bodies, than children who can see.
• miss important information, like a look on someone’s face, that can
sometimes help children learn safe social behavior.
Not all people who abuse children sexually use physical force. They can
use:
• persuasion and sweet talk
• threats and bullying
• tempting treats
The result of the abuse is still violent and damaging to a child.
I want Mishiri
to be safe, and I
worry about her.
But I have no
idea how to teach
her to protect
herself from
people who want
to hurt her or use
her. My mother
never talked to
me about this.
I know what
you mean. I feel
uncomfortable,
myself. But I
know it is really
important.
Let’s practice
talking about it
with each other.
Then we will feel
better prepared to
talk to our children.
helping children who are blind