21st of April 2022

Did you know that four children per day die as a result of child abuse, and that 70% are under the age of 4? Child abuse can have devastating effects that last a lifetime, including PTSD, depression, social anxiety, and more. In order to protect your child from being abused, here are a few things you can do to keep your child safe. 

Teach your child appropriate and inappropriate behaviors by role playing and giving them rewards when they can properly identify inappropriate behaviors. 

Tell your child to inform you immediately if they ever feel uncomfortable with someone, even if they are friends or family members. Tell them they won’t get in trouble for telling on an adult, and that you’ll keep them safe. 

Help your child create and keep personal boundaries. Children need to know that they have rights, and that their bodies deserve to be respected. They need to know that it’s ok to decline hugs or touches from anyone.  

Teach your child how to be private. Some children are trusting of everyone and will tell strangers where they live or give out their phone numbers. Let children know who is appropriate to give their personal information to. 

Let children know that child abuse can also happen verbally. Tell your child that name calling and threats, are unacceptable behaviors and to tell you when an adult crosses the line. 

Be aware of your own mental health and that of the people who share a home with your child. If you or someone in your home is stressed or disturbed, seek help immediately and ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to look after your child until it is safe.

Schedule regular talks with your child to check in to see if they have any concerns about how an adult in their life is treating them. 

If you suspect that your child or another child has been abused, call the police or the national child abuse hotline 24/7 at 800-422-4453. 

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Eve Powers, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Eve has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Eve obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Eve’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Eve continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.