HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

Lesson Fifteen

ADULTS (3):

SAFETY AND PROTECTION FROM ABUSE

Burden to Impart:

Because children are innocent (unsuspecting) and weak they are vulnerable to abuse from adults. They should be instructed how to respond to any inappropriate contact with others, especially adults. They should AVOID, RESIST, and REPORT any disturbing contact or conduct to their parents or a responsible adult they can trust to help.

Background Information for the Teachers:

1. Statistics show that child abuse is much more common than was ever imagined. Experts estimate that one out of four girls and one out of seven boys have been sexually abused by eighteen years of age.
2. Children are very vulnerable to abuse from adults. They are smaller, weaker, and easily manipulated and intimidated. The children must be instructed and strengthened so that they can protect themselves from becoming the victims of perverse persons and adults. After two lessons on respecting adults, this lesson is intended to protect and arm the children from any kind of abuse. Preparation and instruction can enable our dear children to be preserved from abuse.

Facts to Teach:

1. Kidnapping is a daily occurrence (about 20-50,000 children per year). Evil persons steal children for many reasons: loneliness, to make them work for them, to make the parents pay to get them back, or to harm them.
2. The children should be impressed that no adult has any business fooling around with children. If an adult is asking the children for help (to find his "lost dog"), says he is lost, offers a bribe (candy, money), or simply stays near the child or follows him/her--SOMETHING IS ABNORMAL! The child should not talk to such a person. Rather, he should leave immediately. If any adult would persist in talking, following, etc. the child should RUN away. If any adult would try to chase, force, or grab the child, he should scream as loud as he can, "Help me! I am being kidnapped!" (This is to inform people nearby that the child is not just throwing a tantrum.)
3. Children should play with friends when away from home. It is much safer to be with someone rather than to be alone. Also, avoid dark places or places that are away from others if you are alone.
4. Concerning sexual abuse: our body belongs to us. NO ONE has the right to touch our private parts nor to ask us to touch theirs. Whether a stranger tries to do so, or a friend of the family, or even a relative, it is forbidden and is wrong, and they know it. By firmly saying, "Don't touch me!" and getting away, most people would stop. If anyone tries to touch us we should tell someone as soon as possible. This will protect us and is the only way the abuser can be helped.