Protecting your child

Coping tips for parents

Compiled by The Detroit News

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 Educators who sexually abuse

Any employee, including volunteers, might molest.

Educator sexual predators are often well-liked and considered excellent teachers.

Special education students or other vulnerable youth are often targets of sexual predators.

Adults who have access to students before or after school or in private situations are more likely to

sexually abuse students than those who don't.

Rumors are an important source of information on educator sexual misconduct.

Behaviors of adults who molest include close personal relationships with students, time alone - or time before or after school - with students, time in private spaces or flirtatious behavior with students, and off-color remarks in class.

Source: Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Synthesis of Existing Literature, prepared for the U.S. Department of Education by Charolcq Shakeshaft

 What to do if your child reports sexual abuse to you

Be patient: This is a difficult thing for your child to share with you.

Let your child tell you about the abuse in his own words. Don't interrogate.

Listen to what your child is telling you, and believe her.

Acknowledge what your child is feeling and how difficult it is for him to tell you.

Let your child know how proud you are of her for having the courage to tell about the abuse.

Let your child know you will do everything you can to keep him safe from now on.

Don't make any promises you may not be able to keep.

Let your child see your distress, but be careful how you express your anguish - you don't want to worry your child.

When you have a free moment alone, write down everything that your child has told you - use your child's words whenever possible, and avoid interpreting what your child has said.

Source: "When a Child or Youth is Sexually Abused: A Guide for Youth, Parents and Caregivers."

 Reporting sexual abuse

Counselors, social workers and school administrators are required by law to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities. Failing to report child abuse or neglect is a misdemeanor crime, punishable by 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

If your child is injured or needs medical attention, take your child immediately to the hospital. Doctors also are required to report sexual abuse to police.

If the victim does not need medical attention, police suggest reporting abuse first to them, rather than the school. Police prefer taking reports from victims and witnesses as soon as possible.

Do not approach the offender directly.

There is no easy way to report educator abuse. Victims may want to have the emotional support of at least one individual or help from a local rape crisis center, community mental health service or child advocacy center.

Source: Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct & Exploitation (SESAME, Canton Township Police Department and Michigan Child Protection Law