Sexual assault is something that happens a lot more than you might realize. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Additionally, one out of every six women has been raped or almost raped in her lifetime. Because of how prominent the problem continues to be, April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month.

Preventing Sexual Assault

Because most American children spend a substantial amount of time online, you should be wary about sexual predators attempting to groom or exploit them. The following are a few signs that may indicate that’s what’s happening:

1. Someone online is telling the child to keep their relationship secret
2. Someone is making sexually suggestive comments to them online
3. Someone is asking about the child’s sexual background
4. Someone is sending the child links to sexual content
5. Someone is asking the child to contact them through specific apps
6. Someone is instructing the child to talk to them in private
7. An online stranger is sending the child gift

Make sure to tell your child to report any such exchanges to you, and be sure to monitor your child’s online activities in case such exchanges are occurring. You should report predatory behavior to California law enforcement right away to help prevent any potential sexual abuse from occurring.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Many victims are under age. The majority of underage victims tend to be between the ages of 12 and 17. As such, it’s very important that if you have children, you make sure you do everything you can to ensure they grow up in a safe environment. The following are a few red flags to look out for that indicate that there may be sexual abuse happening:

• The child’s behavior changes significantly. Behavior such as social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating may all indicate potential issues with abuse.
  
• If the child complains about trouble sleeping, soreness, or even pain.

Sexual assault is a serious problem that affects both adults and children. If you have a child, be vigilant about their online activity to help protect them against sexual abuse. For more safety awareness advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today.