-Dr.Dianne McCallister, Chief Medical Officer at Porter Adventist Hospital

Schools have already begun to open for the new school year.

The recent news about sexual abuse of children has many of us concerned about how to keep our children safe.

This is a difficult topic to discuss - but very important.

Unfortunately, this is a far more common problem than any of us would like it to be. In fact, national statistics show that 1 out of every 3 girls, and 1 out of every 5 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.

In addition, 1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the internet.

If you take all sexual assaults reported in the US, including assaults on adults, 70 precent of the total are on children 17 or younger.

Only 10 percent of perpetrators are strangers. 50 percent are people who the child knows and trusts but who are not members of the family. Sadly, 30-40 percent of abuse is from members of the childs own family - both women and men.

The other frightening statistic is that these ill people do not usually have only one victim.

They tend to have multiple victims -70 percent will have between as many as 1-9 victims.

In addition, it is important to remember that sexual exploitation can take the form of pornographic pictures and internet predators.

It brings up the importance of all of us watching out for the children in our communities.

Just the fact that we are discussing this is a huge step to dealing with the problem. These perpetrators are assisted when we are afraid to discuss this terrible reality.

Information and action are two of the most important weapons we have in addressing this problem. Those of us in positions of trust -parents, physicians, nurses, teachers and coaches are the ones who will be able to spot children that need help.

It is extremely important to bring up the topic of sexual abuse with our children in age-appropriate ways, and tell them that NO ONE should ever touch them in their private areas.

They should also be taught that if someone does touch them - or makes them uncomfortable, that they should tell us and we will be there to protect them.

Finally - it is important that they learn that it is ok to say no to an adult -even someone they would normally be taught to respect.

Marilyn Van der Bur, a prominent Denver resident who was herself the victim of sexual abuse made the best and most simple advice - Ask your children if they have been touched in their private areas - they may not tell you unless you give them the chance.

The possibility of sexual abuse should be followed up in children who:

Report being abused sexually by a parent or adult caregiver
Have knowledge about sex that is not age-appropriate, or who act out sexual behavior

Children do not generally have this knowledge or act out sexual behaviors unless they have been exposed to it. They must always be believed when they report abuse.

Other concerning signs include:

Have difficulty walking or sitting
Suddenly refuse to change for gym or participate in physical activities
Have nightmares or bedwetting
Have a sudden change in appetite
Running away

If the parent or caregiver is secretive/isolated, jealous and controlling of family members, or is extremely protective of the child/limits the child's contact with other children then sexual abuse should be considered.

If your child is a abused, these three steps are important.

First, believe your child. Children do not make up this sort of story - and make sure you show your love through your words and actions, assure them it was not their fault - children are never to blame. Do not question them or demand details. Do not panic - act calm and seek appropriate medical care if needed. Reassure your child that you will protect them and that they can come to you at any time to talk.
Second, report the crime to the police/authorities right away. They have special interviewers who can help children tell their story.
This is a very important step in the healing process for the children. Work with law enforcement and their investigation.
I was on the Board of Directors of Sungatekids, the child advocacy center for Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert Counties. Organizations like this gave a safe home-like place for children to tell their story to the police through trained interviewers.
Third, Get counseling for your child and the rest of the family.
There are counselors that specialize in post traumatic stress therapy. By using techniques such as play therapy, they can help your child work through the feelings and emotions that they have as a result of the trauma.

Our community has many excellent resources for children, and with counseling and appropriate follow-up, your child can go on to live a very normal life.

Links:

www.childwelfare.gov

sungatekids.nationalchildrensalliance.org

www.acf.hhs.gov

Dr. McCallister is on 7NEWS at 11 a.m. every Wednesday. If you have a topic or question you would like her to discuss, email 11am@thedenverchannel.com.