Child sexual abuse and boundary violations often come from people we know and trust. Educate your children on stranger danger, but also be very diligent about your trusted circle of adults and teach your children about healthy personal boundaries. Talk to them early and often.

We appreciate Rabbi Model College Ifo Ogun state for inviting us to their school to sensitize their students on child abuse identification, prevention skills and reporting. In the light of the increasing rate of child sexual abuse in the society today, schools are encouraged to make this type of education part of their curriculum.

Two weeks ago we received a complaint from a concerned mother that a 10-year old boy sexually abused her 7-year old girl in the school bus while the driver was taking them home. Who should take the blame for this – the parents who entrusted their child into the care of the school? The little boy who is still a minor? The Driver who was focused on driving for the safety of the children or the school that put children in the bus without an attendant/supervision?

This is to let you know how bad the situation has become, so much so that even children now abuse themselves. Never entrust your child into the care of anyone without supervision. We have gotten to a stage where everyone is now a suspect. Even the supervisor should be supervised. We should remember the supervisor in one of the big schools in Lagos state that sexually abused a 2-year old child. He is still serving his prison term.

Even parents need supervision as news of some fathers sexually abusing their female children is common these days. As such, the best supervision in the present circumstance is to empower the children to understand what sexual abuse is, when they are being sexually abused, and how to protect and defend themselves, especially the urgent need to report, how and where to report.
Let’s work together to protect our children. We are ready to partner with your school for the best interest of the child.