The steps you need to take to protect your adopted child from sexual predators are similar to the steps taken to protect any child. However, there are some additional safeguards you should put into place to protect an adopted child from sexual predators.

1. Talk to your child about sexual predators.

It is hard to take away some of your child’s innocence by making him aware that there are “bad people” in the world. Unfortunately, you must take this step to protect your child. If you do not, then you risk a predator completely shattering your child’s innocence. It is better for a loving parent to remove a little innocence to protect a child than to leave a child completely vulnerable to predators.

2. Teach your child how to protect himself.

Talk to your child repeatedly about what to do if somebody tries to touch his body or lure him away from safety. Tell him to yell, “You are not my mommy/daddy!” while running in the opposite direction. Tell him to kick, scream, and fight back if somebody tries to kidnap him.

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Do not just talk about self-defense: Practice it. Run your child through scenarios and ask him what he would do in each situation. Guide him to the correct answers.

4. Reassure your child that he can tell you anything.

Many sexually abused children are afraid to tell their parents about what happened. Shame is the hallmark of sexual abuse, so many children do not tell their parents what happened because they are afraid that their parents will no longer love them.

5. Tell your child not to believe threats.

Sexual predators will often threaten the lives of a loved one (parent, sibling, pet, etc.) if the child tells. Tell your child that you are not afraid of anyone else and that you will protect him and everyone he loves if anyone ever threatens him.

6. Tell your child not to believe that a stranger is a birthparent.

Make sure your child knows not to trust a stranger claiming to be his birthparent. Tell your child that if he ever meets his birthparent, you will inform him of the meeting ahead of time and will be there with him when they meet. Under no circumstances should he ever leave with a person claiming to be a birthparent or birth family member.

7. Keep your guard up even if you have sons.

Many people mistakenly believe that only girls are at risk for sexual abuse. One in 5 to 7 boys are sexually abused by age 18. See Sex Abuse/Trauma: Statistics. Boys are vulnerable at any age but particularly between the ages of 8 to 12, which appeals to many pedophiles for some reason.

8. Build your child’s self-esteem.

Your best defense against sexual predators is a confident child. Sexual predators are cowards who are looking for the “easy prey” that are less likely to tell. If your child is confident in himself, a sexual predator is less likely to choose him for his next victim.

Related Topics:

• Talking to kids about sexual predators



• How to Protect Your Adopted Child from On-line Predators


• How To Keep Your Son Safe From Pornography