Sexual abuse is one of the biggest fears of parents. It is a very serious problem in society and happens more often than we think.
    Myth: Sexual abusers are strangers.
    Reality: The abuser often knows the child well beforehand, initially building a relationship of trust with them. Sexual abuse is most often a long process and begins with building special relationships and gaining the trust of the child as well as the family. This type of behavior is referred to in English as „grooming“. Research shows that in most cases, children know their abusers. These can be both close acquaintances of the family and relatives. This type of violence often occurs in a safe environment, such as at home, at a party, or even at school.
    Myth: Abusers are lonely and look strange.
    Reality: Abusers may have different looks and genders and cannot be clearly identified. It is important that the child is prepared to react immediately. The abuser may have a normal sexual relationship with a person of their age and still commit sexual abuse. The percentage of male sexual abusers is higher, but it is possible for a woman to show this type of violence. Adolescents can also be sexual abusers.
    Myth: Sexual violence is just sexual contact.
    Reality: Sexual abuse can also be unwanted sexual touch, showing intimate parts of the body, or showing sexualized material that is inappropriate for the child‘s age. Although violence may not involve contact, it can have serious psychological and emotional consequences for the child.
    Myth: Children on the Internet are safe from sexual abuse.
    Reality: The Internet hides challenges and benefits for children of all ages. In late adolescence, young people can be blackmailed with photos and videos with sexual content taken voluntarily, stolen or secretly made. The trust between the child and the parent and the presence of relatives and friends whom the child can trust would help to make such abuse of your child clear much faster and the risk to the child to be minimized.