By arming your child with a set of parental rules you could be making life much easier for your child. Reading signs Changes in your child s behaviour may be signs of a deeply troubling situation that your child is afraid to tell you about. Pay attention to changes in appetite, bed-wetting, insecurity, nightmares, itching or pain in the genitals. If your child says they do not want to be with someone in particular, ask them why. Do not belittle their fear.
Risks Avoid hiring male baby-sitters.
This may seem unfair but 95 per cent of abusers are men. By hiring a female baby-sitter you substantially reduce the risk. Teach your children never to answer the doorbell when alone or say that they are alone if the phone rings. No secrets Child abusers known to the child often say a kiss or a touch is our secret . This confuses the child who has been taught to keep secrets.