To Report Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect, Call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96ABUSE or 1-800-962-2873.
About Prevention & Education
Preventing child abuse is one of our top priorities are Kids House. Research strongly suggests that primary prevention, made before problems develop, is by far the least expensive and more effective means of solving a wide range of social issues, including child abuse and neglect.
Prevention Tips
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - Grooming: Know the Warning Signs
The Mama Bear Effect - Prevention Education Resources
Lauren’s Kids - Family Safety Toolkit
Enough Abuse Campaign - Straight Talk about Child Sexual Abuse: A Prevention Guide for Parents
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Body Safety
Darkness to Light - Talk to Kids About Body Safety & Boundaries
Internet Safety
National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) - Internet Safety Tips for Kids & Teens
ConnectSafely - Family Guide to Parental Controls
NetSmartzKids: Be Safer Online
A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety: An FBI publication
Coping with Trauma
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) - Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know about Sexual Abuse
Coping Skills for Kids - Practical Ways to Help Kids Handle Big Feelings
Other Helpful Resources
Childhelp
Enough Abuse Campaign
Stop It Now!
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Tips to Help Protect Children from Sexual Abuse
1. Teach children accurate names of private body parts.
2. Avoid focusing exclusively on “stranger danger.” Keep in mind that most children are abused by someone they know and trust.
3. Teach children about body safety and the difference between “okay” and “not okay” touches.
4. Let children know that they have the right to make decisions about their bodies. Empower them to say no when they do not want to be touched, even in non-sexual ways (e.g., politely refusing hugs), and to say no to touching others.
5. Make sure children know that adults and older children never need help with their private body parts (e.g., bathing or going to the bathroom).
6. Teach children to take care of their own private parts (i.e., bathing, wiping after bathroom use) so they don’t have to rely on adults or older children for help.
7. Educate children about the difference between good secrets (like surprise parties—which are okay because they are not kept secret for long) and bad secrets (those that the child is supposed to keep secret forever, which are not okay).
8. Trust your instincts! If you feel uneasy about leaving a child with someone, don’t do it. If you’re concerned about possible sexual abuse, ask questions.
NCTSN – Caring for Kids
Spend Time
Taking time to nurture and teach your children is one of the biggest gifts you can give them as they grow. It means talking and listening to them. Living with children means spending the weekends at the park and afternoons at the library. When your kids are asking you questions or just talking about their day, be sure to listen without correcting or criticizing them. This is also an excellent way for your child to get to know you better. Encourage your child to ask you some questions, too! Most importantly, have fun! Here are some great ways to become a strong, healthy family. The following information holds true no matter what age your kids are.
Build trust:
Strong families build trusting relationships by following through with promises. Show commitment. Strong families feel like a team. They share traditions like having a family picnic or taking walks together after dinner by making time for family events and making sacrifices for one another.
Communicate:
Members of strong families talk to one another about important decisions and daily plans. They discuss feelings as well as day-to-day activities at school or work. Where there are conflicts, strong families take time to cool down before responding. They don't bottle up their anger or let it get out of hand. They talk about possible solutions to problems and work together to carry out the best solutions.
Grow through crises:
All families experience crises. Strong families use these experiences to learn and grow. They know even bad experiences can bring about good changes and help them to become closer. They admit problems instead of hiding them. They seek help when needed.
Spend time together:
Strong families spend time together, talking, reading, playing games, taking walks, and cooking. Some special times involve closeness, like reading a good-night story and tucking children into bed with a kiss.
Have fun as a family:
Strong families know that having fun is important and make plans to have fun together. They plan family trips or parties. Strong families know that laughter is important and use humor to help reduce stress. Family members laugh with one another, not at one another.
Show love and affection:
No matter what children say or do, they need to know that their parents love them. Strong families show caring in many ways. Family members say to each other, "I love you" or "I'm happy we're in this family together." They give hugs and show affection in other small ways, too, they may call each other nicknames and enjoy remembering family stories.
The National Parent & Youth HelpLine is an excellent resource for additional information on parenting. Call 1.855.427.2736 any time for free, confidential support.