How to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse During the Holidays

(an important, lengthy, disturbing read)


How to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse During the Holidays
12/19/2023 by Omny Miranda Martone and Yasmin Hung


Sexual abuse increases during the holidays when kids are often left with babysitters, there are guests staying in the home, and parents are often distracted. (Maskot Archives / Getty Images)

The end of the year brings a time to celebrate with family and friends. It feels cozy and carefree. Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a high-risk time for sexual abuse against children. Everyone thinks something like this would never happen in their family. But 93 percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the victim knows. More specifically, 34 percent of perpetrators are relatives of the victim, and 59 percent are non-relative friends or acquaintances. Only 7 percent are strangers.

Child sexual abuse can be perpetrated by anyone of any gender and not only by adults—younger cousins and siblings can perpetuate violence as well. Because people spend extra time with loved ones and family members during the holidays, the risk of child sexual abuse inevitably increases. This is even more important to recognize when you consider that most children do not disclose right away that they have been sexually abused, and some may never disclose.

While people are busy making their favorite holiday dish or catching up with old friends, it’s easy to forget to check in on the kids—especially if we believe the gathering is a safe space. Finding a balance between having a restful and cheerful holiday season and creating a safe environment to protect the children around you is essential. So, what can you do to help prevent sexual violence against children during the holidays?

1. Accurate Names

Teach your children the anatomically correct names of private parts, such as “penis” and “vagina.” You should start as young as possible. If children aren’t taught names, or if they are taught euphemisms, they won’t be able to identify or communicate when something has happened to them. Demystifying body parts empowers children to understand their bodies, reduces the likelihood of grooming and increases their ability to disclose if something happens.

You can teach them using Your Whole Body by Lizzie DeYoung Charbonneau or one of these age-specific books, put together by Cath Hakanson.

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https://msmagazine.com/2023/12/19/prevent-child-sexual-abuse-holidays/