April is Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness and take meaningful steps to protect children from harm. For many parents and caregivers, the thought of sexual abuse is painful and overwhelming. It is difficult to talk about—but having honest, age-appropriate conversations is one of the most powerful ways we can prevent it. You do not have to be an expert. You just need to be a caring, informed adult who is willing to listen, speak up, and help build a safer community.
Sexual abuse is one of the most hidden and harmful forms of child abuse. It can be difficult to detect and confusing for children to understand or describe. Often, the person causing harm is someone the child knows and trusts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18 (CDC, 2025). The effects can last a lifetime, impacting a child’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
This month is not only about raising awareness—it is about taking action. Every protective conversation, every boundary you help set, and every moment you spend building trust can change a child’s life.
1. Teach Body Safety and Boundaries
Children are safer when they know their rights. Help them understand that their body belongs to them and they can say “no” to any touch or behavior that makes them uncomfortable.
- Use correct names for private parts. This reduces shame and makes it easier for children to speak up.
- Teach that secrets about touching or private parts are never okay. Let them know that the can always tell a trusted adult.
- Respect your child’s boundaries. If your child says they do not want to be tickled or hugged, stop immediately. Show them that their boundaries matter, even with you, and always speak up for them if others don’t respect them.
You can say, "Your body belongs to you. If anyone touches you in a way you do not want, you can say NO and tell me or another grown-up you trust."
2. Make Communication a Habit
Children who feel safe talking to their parents are more likely to share if something is wrong. Build trust through daily conversations, not just during “serious talks.”
- Ask open-ended questions: “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did anything make you feel weird or uncomfortable today?”
- Stay calm and listen. Let them know they did the right thing by talking to you.
- Create simple routines like a weekly check-in or special treat time to talk.
- Use car rides, meals, or bedtime rituals as chances to talk when your child feels relaxed.
You can say, "You can tell me anything. I will always listen, and I will always believe you."
3. Be Aware of Who Is Around Your Child
Most abuse is committed by someone the child knows. People who hurt children often use a method called “grooming” to gain trust before causing harm. Be aware of who your child spends time with, and make sure they have two or three trusted adults they can talk to—besides you.
Learn to recognize possible warning signs of grooming. While no single sign always means abuse, stay alert and check in with your child. Be cautious if an adult:
- Shows more interest in your child than in you.
- Gives your child special gifts or attention.
- Tells your child to keep secrets from adults.
- Looks for chances to be alone with your child, especially with secrecy.
- Uses sexual language, sexually explicit jokes, or touches that push boundaries.
You can say, "Who did you hang out with today? What was fun? How did you feel about what happened?"
4. Monitor Online Activity
Abuse can also happen online. Children need help and supervision to stay safe in digital spaces.
- Delay social media use until at least age 13.
- Watch apps and games together and talk about what your child sees.
- Know all the ways your child can chat online—including phones, games, and VR headsets.
- Use privacy settings, parental controls, and keep devices in shared spaces.
- Have regular talks about online rules, who they can talk to, and what to do if they feel scared or unsure.
You can say, "If anyone online asks you to keep a secret, send a photo or video, meet them, or if they send something strange—tell me right away. You are not in trouble. I just want you to be safe."
5. What If Your Child Tells You About Abuse?
Even with your best efforts, a child may still be hurt. The most important thing is that your child knows they can talk to a trusted adult—and that you will listen and help.
If your child shares a concern, big or small:
- Stay calm.
- Listen carefully.
- Believe your child.
- Support your child.
- Get help.
- Tell your child it was not their fault and that they did the right thing by telling you.
For more support, check out these resources:
6. Advocate for Prevention
Prevention starts with education and community support. You can help protect children by promoting programs and policies that teach body safety, consent, and emotional well-being. When we invest in prevention, we give children the tools to speak up, ask for help, and grow into healthy, resilient adults.
- Support programs that teach children about safety, respect, and healthy relationships, like Stand Strong • Stay Safe, ChildBuilders’ personal safety education program.
- Share trusted resources, such as ChildBuilders’ workshops and webinars, with other parents and community members, or book a workshop for your company or parenting group.
- Donate to organizations like ChildBuilders that empower adults and children to build safer communities.
Dad Thoughts
Child Abuse Prevention Month is about more than just awareness—it is about taking action. Every child deserves to grow up free from harm. As parents, caregivers, and community members, we must stay alert, informed, and ready to protect them.
No child should suffer in silence. No child should feel alone. Every child deserves a safe, loving, and supportive place to thrive—and together, we can build that future.
