Parents Preventing Child Abuse

Prepared by Oregon Youth Soccer

March 14, 2005

• Fifty percent of girls and 25% of boys will experience some sort of abuse by age 18
• Sex offenders average 77 victims
• Parents are key resources in preventing child abuse
• Stay alert
• Watch your child at games and practices
• Trust your intuition and gut feelings
• Listen to and believe your child
• Stay alert
• Watch for changes in your child's behavior or appearance
• Require your club to have a two adult rule so that adults/coaches are never alone with a child (Including when you are alone with another parent’s child)
• Question people who are around children if they don’t appear to belong - Ask them their name and who they are there to see
• Talk with other parents about child abuse
• Stay alert
• Seek help or guidance - resource listings are available on our website
• Learn more on our website

Contact Club Services at Oregon Youth Soccer. Phone 503 626-4625, 800 275-7353 or log onto www.oregonyouthsoccer.org and see Risk Management listings under the "Administration" or the "Coaching" buttons.