The recent conviction of former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky is once again putting the spotlight on the problem of child sexual abuse. Experts estimate 80 thousand incidents of sexual abuse of children are reported each year, but it’s believed many more incidents go unreported because children are afraid to tell anyone.
“Parents should stress the importance of trust and communication early in the parent-child relationship,” says Dr. Nina Kayce, a licensed psychologist at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, adding “it’s never too early to educate your child about sexual abuse and respecting his or her body,” Dr. Kayce adds.