Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

Everyone can take steps to prevent child sexual abuse. By educating yourself about child sexual abuse, you are already taking steps to prevent it from happening. Here are a few resources from Stop It Now! a nonprofit organization working to prevent child sexual abuse.

From knowing the warning signs to understanding age-appropriate sexual behavior, these resources from Stop It Now! can help you identify child sexual abuse:

• Age-Appropriate Sexual Behavior

• Warning Signs in Children of Possible Abuse

• Signs An Adult Is At-Risk To Harm A Child

• Signs A Child Is At-Risk to Harm Another Child

• Behaviors To Watch Out For When Adults Are With Children

• Keep A Journal Of Warning Signs

Preventing child sexual abuse can also include creating a Family Safety Plan to help create a more protective environment for your family.

For more information about reporting child sexual abuse:

• Reporting Child Sexual Abuse

• When and How to File a Report?

• What Might Happen After Filing a Report

To Report Child Abuse, call the Child Protective Services Hotline:

In Virginia: (800) 522-7096

Out of State: (804) 786-8536

Or, visit the VA Child Protective Services website linked here.