SINGLE PARENTS

As single parents, we tend to think that the biggest threat to children are new romantic partners. In fact, it is a common misconception that all child sexual abusers are strangers. Predators can be found within your trusted community, and many single parents must rely on others within that community to help care for their children. Whether they are with a babysitter, spending the night with friends, or riding to school with a neighbor, your children are vulnerable. All an abuser needs is opportunity. It is all the more essential, then, that single parents understand how to protect their children from becoming targets for sexual abuse.

+ Children of single parents are at a statistically higher risk to be sexually abused because of their dependence on others (babysitters, daycare services, family and friends) to care for the child. More people caring for your child means more opportunities for abuse. As the parent you must, in turn, be all the more vigilant.

+ If you live with family, have a roommate, or your child is often in someone else's home, be aware of who exactly is coming and going into the home. Most importantly, remember that blood relation is not a free pass. Incest still occurs today, and in all socioeconomic demographics. Teens and children represent 40% of those that abuse other children.

+ Empower your children! Reinforce their right to personal space. Assure them that you are their protector, and that no one can threaten them or ask them to keep a secret from you. They may sense your level of stress in regard to finding suitable care for them, and/or your dependence on maintaining a job to support the family. Children will often bear the burden of sexual abuse because they are afraid that it may negatively impact their parent or family's situation if they do tell. Let them know it is always the right thing to tell you - that no matter the situation, nothing is more important than their safety. Assure them that you will make everything right, no matter the problem. 

+ Be wary of anyone that offers to help care for you child, whether it's giving your child a ride to school, or taking them on a short outing. Abuse can occur when you are at home, and even at the hands of a family member. It is sad but true that predators do target single parents and prey upon their need for help.

+ Be extremely cautious of anyone you bring into your romantic life. It may seem hard to believe that your new partner could be eyeing your child, regardless of their age. Still, it happens, and much more often than people would like to believe. Even if your new partner appears attentive and loving toward your child, remember that predators often use these tactics to groom children and gain the trust of the parent just prior to committing sexual abuse.

It is a common misconception that all child sexual abusers are strangers. Predators can be found within your trusted community, and many single parents must rely on others within that community to help care for their children.