Julia Strehlow is the director of education, prevention, and policy for Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, one of the frontline responders to reports of child sexual abuse in the city. The Center also responds to physical abuse, witness to violence, and other serious maltreatment. ChicagoCAC is the city’s only not-for-profit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts, and mental health clinicians under one roof.
Communication: The most important thing adults can do to reduce the risk of sexual abuse for children is to maintain open lines of communication and encourage children to come to them at any time with concerns about others’ behavior, feelings of discomfort in the home, or sexual abuse. Adults must believe children. Use this extra time at home to discuss your openness and model assertive communication about boundaries all the time.
As always, it is our responsibility as adults to prevent child sexual abuse and intervene in concerning situations.
