Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, or Rape

Prevention

Violence is learned behaviour, so it is especially important to help your children learn that violence is not a healthy way to resolve conflict. Living in a violent environment increases your child's chances of developing behaviour problems, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, poor school achievement, and lowered expectations for the future. People who are maltreated as children are more likely to abuse others. If you were ever abused, it is very important to get treatment so you don't pass the cycle of abuse on to your children.

Keep yourself safe from violence.

• Be alert to warning signs, such as threats or drunkenness, so that you can avoid a dangerous situation. If you cannot predict when violence may occur, have an exit plan for use in an emergency.
• Learn how to recognize signs of violent behaviour in your teenager.
• If you are no longer living with a violent person, contact the police to obtain a restraining order if your abuser continues to pursue you and act violently toward you.

Reduce your chance for sexual abuse.

• When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
• Do not leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not allow yourself to be alone with someone you do not know or trust. Do not get a ride from someone you do not know.
• Think about how intimate you want to be in a relationship and clearly state your limits.

Reduce the chance of your child being sexually abused.

• Teach your children that it is against the "rules" for adults to act in a sexual way with children. Use examples.
• Teach your children that it is okay to say no and it is okay to leave the situation if they are uncomfortable.
• Teach your children that their bodies are their own and that it is okay if they do not want a hug or other contact that might make them uncomfortable.
• Speak to your children about using the proper names for their body parts. Informed children are better able to talk to you about someone acting in a sexual way with them.

Prevent violence in your home.

• Learn non-violent ways to resolve conflicts. Arguing is fine, even healthy, as long as it does not turn violent. For more information on anger control, see the topic Anger, Hostility, and Violent Behaviour.
• Give your children consistent love and attention.
• Teach your children that violence is not a solution. Settle arguments without yelling or hitting. Do not use physical discipline, such as spanking, pinching, ear pulling, jabbing, shoving, or choking. If you need help controlling your children, consider taking a course in parenting skills.
• Limit your child's exposure to TV, movies, and video games to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day.
  • Participate in healthy alternatives, such as sports, interactive play, and reading, with your child.
  • Watch television with your children to discuss or limit violent content.
  • Use a "V-chip" to filter broadcast programming.
  • Do not glamorize weapon carrying or use firearms in play.
• Prevent violence with firearms and other weapons. Do not provide your children or teenagers with unsupervised access to guns or other dangerous weapons.
  • Do not keep loaded firearms in your home.
  • If you must keep firearms in your home, unload them and lock them up. Lock ammunition in a separate place.
  • Do not keep firearms in a home where there is someone who has a drug or alcohol problem, is prone to violent behaviour, or has threatened suicide.
  • Make sure that no one in your home will have access to firearms or other weapons unless they know how to use them safely.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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