Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

Whether we are talking about ending sexual abuse before it starts or preventing abuse before it happens again, child sexual abuse prevention is a key part of making our communities and children safe. 

Preventing sexual abuse starts at birth and includes ideas that might be new for many of us. This includes focusing from the earliest days on supporting children’s bodily autonomy (their ability to control their bodies on their own), and less secrecy and shame about bodies and bodily functions. It is also about being supportive of a child's respectful and curious approach to their body. This includes their gender and genitals, and their future as sexual people.

The Maine Network of Children's Advocacy Centers is a program of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA). At MECASA, we work to keep preventing sexual violence as part of the conversation about making sure our communities are happy and healthy. To learn more about MECASA's program, the Children's Safety Partnership, please click here. You will find resources to help you learn and talk about child sexual abuse prevention - even when it feels awkward. There are also many recommendations for books for you and the kids in your life to learn more about bodies, boundaries, and keeping safe.

Here are some basic fact sheets from MECASA about child sexual abuse prevention:
     Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Overview & Tips
     Child Sexual Abuse Prevention & Healthy Sexuality Resources 
The Network is a program of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
Proudly accredited by the National Children's Alliance
Funded in part by the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, and by your generous public and private donations.
Maine Network of Children's Advocacy Centers

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741. For more information, click here. 

For information on how to report child abuse click here or call 1-800-452-1999 or Maine Relay (711) for Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

In accordance with federal regulations, the Maine Network of Children's Advocacy Centers does not discriminate in the access to or provision of its services.