How to reduce the risk of sexual violence

At this age, it is more difficult to monitor your child‘s contacts, so it is important to support them to learn to recognize more suspicious contacts and to have other significant adults around him such as a teacher, close relative, friend. It is relatively easier for children aged 14 to 18 to ignore contact with strangers. The difficulty in cases of sexual abuse is that it comes from close or acquaintances, peers or older at school or in the neighborhood.
This confuses the adolescent. The adolescent should know that the interest, curiosity, or even desire for contact initially shown does not exonerate sexual abuse if the girl or boy subsequently wishes to stop the contact. Also, the fact that someone has had sex does not imply that another has the right to film it.
If the parent or someone else notices changes in the adolescent behavior as a sudden cessation of normal activities, closeness, anxiety or other atypical emotions, it is really important to talk to the young person. Although it is very difficult, it is good to approach delicately and carefully and not to react too emotionally. Pay attention to the child‘s experiences and feelings. Remember that they may not be fully aware of their emotions and experiences. Support the child, but try to understand how confused they feel about the situation. The child may not want to share their feelings for various reasons (shame, trying to avoid further problems, to protect the potential abuser because they liked to spend time with them, not to cause worries, etc.). However, do not dismiss your fears lightly. Even if the child does not see the cause of the problem, carefully assess the situation and seek the opinion of other people and professionals.
Accusations of sexual violence are a very serious matter. If in doubt, you can discuss them with a professional.
It is very important to monitor carefully and assess the risk to protect the child.
At the same time, it is important not to be suspicious of all people or professionals working with children before you have seriously assessed and discussed with anyone any concerns on the matter.