When it comes to sexual abuse, prevention is the key. So, what can parents do to prevent child sexual abuse? Here are five tips that will help you keep your children safe.

1. Learn as much information as you can about physical and sexual abuse. Learn who is most likely to commit crimes of abuse, why adults abuse children, etc. Seek out preventative information about child sexual abuse

2. Listen and talk with your children. Communication is the most important principle in keeping your kids safe from sexual abuse. Create a climate in your home where kids are not afraid to share information about things they may be embarrassed or afraid about. Be willing to share what you know about sexual abuse and how to prevent it with your children. Tell your children the basics such as, " No one has the right to touch your body without your permission."

3. Teach your kids personal safety rules. Start early with your children (in an age appropriate way) and set clear safety rules for your chldren. The following list gives some of the safety rules to help you get started:

• Use proper names for all their private parts. (Many children are not able to tell about the abuse because they do not know the proper words to use and tend to use knicknames for their private areas.)
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• Safety rules apply to ALL adults, not just to strangers.
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• Their bodies belong to them and it is not okay for another person to touch private parts.
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• It is okay to say no if someone tries to touch their body or do things that make them feel uncomfortable; no matter whom the person is.
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• They should never keep secrets about touching, no matter what the person says.
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• If someone touches them, tell and keep telling until someone listens!

4. Know the adults and teens in your children's lives. From getting to know teachers, coaches and youth workers to interviewing potential baby sitters, you should know as much as you can about the adults and teens your children spend time with. Any adult that seems more interested in your children than you do should raise a cautionary flag in your mind.

5. Keep tabs on your kids. Know where your children are and whom they are with. Make it a family rule that if your children's plans change, they must notify you before they do something or go somewhere that you don' know about.