Be alert to sexual abuse. If you’re a mom you’ll do anything to protect your kids from harm. Here are some things that kids need to know about tricks offenders do before the abuse begins. And if in case your child spotted a potential abuser teach them to say No! Instruct them to Run as quickly as possible away from the would-be abuser. And be able to Tell parents, guardians or someone who could be trusted about their experience until someone helps them.

1. Offender says you are special, different or the only one who really understands him.
2. Treats you differently  from other kids. Gives you special privileges. Treats you like an adult while he acts like a kid.
3. Wants to take you pictures.
4. Says he is teaching you sex education by showing you pornographic pictures or movies. He shows his body or touches yours.
5. Puts lotion or ointment on you when your mother or others are not around (even when you don’t need the ointment).
6. Offender hangs around school, yard or park where children play. Tells you “not to tell”. Asks you to keep a “secret”.
7. Does not let you have friends or does not let you do things that other kids your age do.
8. Comes into your bedroom for no reason.
9. Asks  you to do things that involve physical contact or touching of private parts.
10. Offenders wants to spend time alone with you. Makes excuses  for you to go places with him.
11. Asks questions or make accusations about sex between you and your boyfriends.
12. “Accidentally” comes into the bathroom when you are taking a bath. Not respecting your privacy.
13. May fool your parents into allowing you to be “friends” through bribes and other tricks.

Some tell tale signs here could give you a cue and save a kid you know from the trap of an abuser. Please listen to every story your kids are telling you.

Profile of abuser

The sexual offender can be of any age, gender, and from any race, culture, religion, income level, or profession. Most abusers are men (80-85%), are well known to the child and frequently have a position of responsibility and trust for the care of the child. Studies indicate that only about 10% of the offenders are strangers to the abused child. 20% of the offenders are pedophiles (who tend to have a large number of victims).