Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse

What parents need to know.

Cynthia Calkins Ph.D., Elizabeth L. Jeglic Ph.D.

How Sexual Abusers Try to Groom Children

There has been controversy in the media about the usage of the term "grooming." Understand why it is critical that the term be used only in reference to child sexual abuse.

Talking to Your Kids About Sex

Integrating discussion of healthy sexuality into your parenting can protect your children from sexual abuse.

Why Children Don’t Tell Anyone About Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is one of the most under-reported crimes. Here's what might facilitate disclosure—and help survivors access treatment and support.

Why It's Important to Talk About Sexual Coercion

No one should feel pressure to engage in sexual relations that they do not want. Sexual coercion refers to a wide range of behaviors and can have negative long-term consequences.

Understanding the Role of Women in Sex Trafficking

Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of federal sex trafficking. Find out how women are involved in sex trafficking and the sexual grooming of victims.

How Biases and Stereotypes Can Prevent Recognition of Sexual Abuse

Biases and stereotypes have played a role in historic failures to detect and report institutional child sexual abuse. Learn how to identify and mitigate these biases.

5 Harmful Myths About Child Sexual Abuse

Understanding the myths and realities of sexual abuse is pivotal, as we need laws and policies based upon facts to keep us safe from sexual violence.

How to Cope Following Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can have many negative long-term consequences. These five coping strategies can help reduce trauma symptoms.

Warning Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse in Children and Teens

The possibility that a child is being sexually abused is a parent's worst nightmare. Learn the warning signs of sexual abuse for children and teens so that they can get help.

How Coercive Abusers Engage in Sexual Grooming

Gaining access, developing trust, and desensitizing to touch.

Why Bill Cosby’s Sentence Being Overturned Can Trigger Survivors

Bill Cosby's release from prison can be triggering for survivors of sexual abuse. Learn five strategies to help cope with the trauma.

Teaching Our Sons to Prevent Sexual Abuse

Learn 10 strategies parents can use to prevent sexual violence so that their sons are part of the solution and not part of the problem.

The Long-Lasting Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse

There are many long-term consequences for those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Learn the psychological, physical, social and economic impacts of childhood sexual abuse.

How Rare Are Rape and Bondage Fantasies?

Fantasies of rape and bondage are much more common than we think.

Understanding Online Sexual Grooming

In almost all cases of online child sexual abuse, the perpetrator will introduce sexual content within the first 24 hours. Learn how to teach kids to report red flags.

What Everyone Needs to Understand About Sexual Coercion

One in three women and one in ten men will experience sexual coercion. What is it and how can it be prevented?

What Is Stealthing?

What you need to know about non-consensual condom removal.

How Female Sexual Abusers Groom Their Victims

Do women who sexually abuse children use sexual grooming strategies and behaviors? Research on female sexual offending patterns suggests that some do.

Sexual Abuse within the Boy Scouts of America

Over 92,000 claims of sexual abuse have been filed against the Boy Scouts of America. What can be done to protect youth from sexual abuse in the future?

How Youth Serving Organizations Can Prevent Child Sex Abuse

Six out of ten minors are sexually abused by someone known to them. Find out what youth-serving organizations must do to prevent child sexual grooming and abuse.

How to Recognize the Sexual Grooming of a Minor

What are the traits and behaviors that can help in the detection of sexual grooming? A list for parents.

Preventing Sexual Abuse in Teen Dating Relationships

Parents are integral in teaching and modeling healthy relationship skills to teens. These five strategies can help prevent sexual violence in teen relationships.