1. Understand personal boundaries. Teach children that their bodies belong to them and that no one has the right to touch their private parts inappropriately, ask them to touch another person's private parts, or force them into sexual activity.
2. Recognise inappropriate behaviour. Be alert to anyone who requests sexual images, makes unwanted sexual comments, demands secrecy about touching, or offers gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours.
3. Speak up about uncomfortable situations. Children should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult if someone's words, actions or touching make them uncomfortable. They should know they will be listened to and supported.
4. Identify trusted adults. Parents and caregivers should help children identify at least three safe adults they can approach if they feel threatened or unsafe. If one adult dismisses their concerns, they should tell another.
5. Be cautious about online interactions. Avoid sharing intimate photographs, personal information or live locations with strangers. Children should be taught that online acquaintances may not be who they claim to be and should report sexual requests or threats to a trusted adult.
6. Set clear boundaries with familiar people. Sexual abuse can be committed by relatives, family friends, teachers, caregivers or other people known to the victim. Children should understand that familiarity, authority or gifts do not permit anyone to abuse them.
7. Use safety plans at home, school and in the community. Parents and schools should establish clear arrangements for collecting children, supervising activities, reporting suspicious behaviour and ensuring that children have safe ways to seek help.
8. Take threats and grooming seriously. An adult who repeatedly isolates a child, gives secret gifts, demands secrecy, or tries to make the child dependent on them may be engaging in grooming. Report concerning behaviour rather than waiting for abuse to occur.
9. Know how to seek help. Children and adults should know where to report sexual harassment, attempted assault or abuse. In Ghana, suspected child sexual abuse can be reported to the Ghana Police Service, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), or the Department of Social Welfare.
10. Act immediately when abuse is suspected. Listen calmly, reassure the child that they are not to blame, and avoid interrogating them or promising absolute secrecy. Ensure their immediate safety, report the concern to the appropriate authorities and seek medical care promptly when necessary.
Important message for parents and caregivers
Children should never be made to feel responsible for preventing their own abuse. Telling them to avoid certain clothes, remain silent, or never go anywhere alone is not enough.
Families, schools, communities and law enforcement agencies must work together to protect children, respond to disclosures and hold offenders accountable.
