Gracious God,
we pray for children who suffer in the silence and secrecy of sexual abuse.
Help them find a safe adult who will listen and act on their behalf to end the abuse and support their healing.
May all people watch for signs of sexual abuse and work to set up protective barriers in their church and community.
Keep all children safe from sexual predators.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Lenten Prayers to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation PDF
Below is a list of organizations, foundations, charities, and helpline webpages for child sexual abuse.
The list is primarily US resources with some International resources.
International directory of resources for reporting concerning online content (outside link)
StopItNow Library of Resources (outside link)
A Child’s Bill of Rights
A child has the right to decide who can and cannot touch any part of their body.
A child has the right, in fact the duty, to report to a safe person any time someone attempts to touch their body inappropriately.
A child has the right to set boundaries regarding any part of their own body.
A child has the right to dial 911 on the phone if they think they are in any danger from someone wanting to touch their body inappropriately and ask for help NOW.
A child has the right to be believed if they are honestly reporting any danger from someone touching or attempting to touch their body inappropriately.
child has the right to run away or scream for help if someone approaches them in a manner that seems scary or “yucky”.
Please read these RIGHTS to your child frequently. They belong to them. Help them to understand what each one means.
Tell your child frequently:
“Your body belongs to you; you can decide who touches it.”
Copyright (c) 2011 by Marjorie McKinnon. All Rights Reserved.