Research reminds us that teaching children how to resist the overtures of a potential molester requires repetition and reinforcement. Children and young people need to know the rules, and they need to hear them over and over and over again so that the rules become part of a thought process. This is done in the same way we teach the rules about looking both ways before crossing the street and the danger of getting too close to an open flame. Empowering children to speak up and resist the overtures of potential molesters can stop a child molester in his or her tracks. Molesters who fear being caught – and being labeled a molester – may decide it is not worth the risk and back off.
This message was provided by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. For information on the archdiocesan Safe Environment program, visit its Safe Environment website page.