A guide that empowers and equips parents with the knowledge and strategies to protect their children. Sexual violence against our children is a real and everyday danger. Protecting them from the threat of sex predators is one of our top concerns and fears--for both parents and educators--as we send our sons and daughters off to school and play. Unfortunately, not many of us know the right way--or even how--to think about and address such a sensitive topic. Protecting Your Child From Sexual Abuse empowers parents by providing much needed knowledge about a subject that is hard for many to discuss, much less take action on. Seeking both to present the right information as well as dispel misconceptions based on unfounded fears, this guide presents comprehensive research and evidence in an accessible way, equipping guardians with practical solutions, concrete tools, and tangible skills designed to keep kids of all ages--from child to tween to teen--safe from sex crimes. Learn about the realities of child sex offenders, how online registries function, what threats and risks exist online, what to do if you suspect abuse, and how to develop open and honest communication with your children on these dangers. With easily digestible facts and figures, highlighted key points, and discussion group questions, Protecting Your Child From Sexual Abuse is a necessary guide for any parenting or community group to begin the conversation--and develop sexual violence prevention strategies in their communities that will make a difference.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Jeglic, PhD, is a professor, clinical psychologist, and mother of three young children. She has authored over sixty articles and book chapters on sexual violence prevention, as well as co-authored the book Sexual Violence: Evidence-Based Policy and Prevention. She was awarded the Faye Honey Knopp Award for her work. She lives in Cranbury, New Jersey. Cynthia Calkins, PhD, is a professor, clinical psychologist, and mother of two young boys. She has devoted her career to seeking answers to how to better prevent sexual violence. She has authored fifty articles and book chapters on the topic as well as co-authored the book Sexual Violence: Evidence-Based Policy and Prevention. She lives in Union City, New Jersey.