Parents need to begin educating their children about safety issues at a young age, starting around 3-4 years old. Approach the subject of safety in a non-threatening way. It is important that you don't make your child fearful of dangerous situations or people, but cautious and able to recognize when something is not right. Encourage your child to trust his or her intuition, and to be able to talk to you when something is bothering them. They should know not to keep secrets from you.
Open communication is very important.
Let your child know that their body belongs to them. No one has the right to touch them inappropriately. If someone is touching them or making them feel uncomfortable in any way, they should let you know immediately, even if it is a family member. Inform your child of the rules pertaining to strangers. Namely, that a stranger looks just like any other person, not like a monster or creature.