PREVENTION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Introduction: Specialized studies show that, every year, a large number of children are sexually abused. Sexual abuse can be found all over the world, re- gardless of race or socio-economic status. The factors associated with sexual abuse depend both on the child (lack of information regarding sexual abuse, naivety, low self-esteem, need for attention, insecurities), and the environment (marital conflict, lack of supervision, the absence of a biological parent, parents who have been abused themselves). The lack of information and knowledge (about sexual abuse and about the intimate body parts) is considered a source of vulnerability for children. Thus, a child who is less vulnerable is capable to identify inappropriate behavior in adults, knows how to resist and is eager to quickly report to someone what has happened to him or her. On the other hand, a child who is more vulnerable may not recognize inappropriate behavior in adults, does not know how to protect himself or herself and does not report to anyone what has happened to them. Methodology: Starting from these premises, the present study seeks to create a program for preventing sexual abuse at the preschool level. Results and conclusions: The results of the study show a drop in vulnerability when faced with sexual abuse. After participating in the prevention program children learned strategies to identify, resist and report abuse.