As Sarasota child abuse attorneys, we are reminded often about the serious problem of sexual abuse and assault of children in our community, and we would like to remind the public that next month is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The hope is that more people can become aware of this problem and learn how to protect children from sexual abuse in Florida.

April 2013 is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

There is someone sexually assaulted, including children and adults, in this nation every two minutes; however, authorities fear that this number is underreported because many children never tell anyone of their abuse. Some adults, similarly, don’t report to the police that they were abused. Because of this, the goal of SAAM is to raise awareness about sexual violence and to educate people about how to prevent sexual abuse.

In order to help protect children from becoming victims of sexual abuse in Florida, children need to be taught about what is a good touch and what is a bad touch and to tell their parents about bad touches and people’s behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable. Because the 2013 Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign is focusing on child sexual abuse prevention, we encourage parents to start talking with their children about healthy boundaries and opening up lines of communication so that children always know they can come to their parents with any concern.

What You Can Do This April to Get Involved

  • Start talking to your children to help prevent child sexual abuse in Florida.
  • Become educated about healthy childhood sexual development and age-appropriate behaviors to be able to recognize unhealthy or abusive behaviors.
  • Take part in preventing child abuse by modeling positive behaviors and educating children about good and bad touches.
  • Create safe environments for your children.
  • Get involved with a local community event to raise awareness.
  • Volunteer at your local rape crisis center.
  • Follow RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook and share with friends the message of awareness and prevention.
  • Wear a teal ribbon as a sign of sexual assault awareness and prevention.
  • Tell a friend or loved one about the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE.

If your son or daughter has been a victim of child sexual abuse in Florida, please call Mallard Perez for help. Our caring and experienced Sarasota child abuse lawyers will talk with you in a free, confidential consultation at 888-409-3805 to help you and your family in your time of need and make sure you are aware of your legal rights. We would also like to encourage you to request a free copy of our book When the Unthinkable Happens: Your Guide to Florida Child Abuse Claims.

Damian Mallard, Esq.
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Board Certified Sarasota Personal Injury Attorney