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“Stranger Danger” is Rare in Child Abuse Cases

Parents generally teach their children about “stranger danger,” but experts say most of the danger is closer to home. According to the Children̵...

Parents generally teach their children about "stranger danger," but experts say most of the danger is closer to home.

According to the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County, 96% of child abusers are people children know and trust.

"Either it's that person, the main caretaker, or that person who you have brought into your home or that person who's in your family or in a neighborhood," said Beverly Engle, executive director.

Engle said to be watchful of who is in your child's life.

"We absolutely have to create vigilance and we have to become more aware of our children," Engle said.

There are warning signs such as nightmares or a change in behavior, if abuse happens.

"Normally a very outgoing child and all the sudden that child has become very withdrawn," Engle said.

Engle said usually child abusers want to always be with children.

"There are red flags about people," Engle said. "We feel like everybody else is doing it that, like a sleepover, but you know 'I  really don't want my child doing that but everyone else is doing that.' I don't want to be the bummer mom," Engle said.

Engle said it's OK to show tough love.

"Be the bummer mom, be the mom that yeah your kids are going to grow up and say' yeah she never let us have any fun but we were safe,'" Engle said.

Engle said communication is crucial. "One in four girls, one in six boys and that's that are sexually violated," she said.

"I mean is it prevalent? It is absolutely prevalent," Engle said.

Engle said parents should listen to their children who give clues if they feel uncomfortable. Other signs of child abuse are fear of adults or have advanced sexual knowledge for their age.

This year the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County has seen an average of 60 child abuse cases a month.

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