Sexual abuse of children is a very real danger in every community from big cities to rural towns. But the good news is that parents have the power to make their children’s world safer. That’s the message of Off Limits, a must-read for every parent who wishes to keep his or her child abuse-free. Written by two leading experts on sexual abuse prevention, Off Limits is full of practical advice and information for parents with children from infants to young teens. Reading Off Limits will give parents a better understanding of * what child sexual abuse is; * who sexually abuses children; * how to recognize warning signs that someone may be sexually abusing a child; * how and where abusers gain sexual access to children; * how abusers keep their victims quiet; * how to help a child who has been sexually abused; * how to help a child who is abusing other children; and, most importantly, * how to keep children safe from sexual abusers. The book provides essential Safety Tips, including ways to help kids interact safely with authority figures, and understand appropriate boundaries and privacy. Parents will learn how to listen actively to children, and communicate important concepts—the difference between affection and sexual touching, "I’m the Boss of My Body" and body-safety rules. The book also provides tips on screening caregivers, and about online safety. Parents, guardians, teachers—anyone responsible for the safety and welfare of children—will find Off Limits an invaluable resource. Best of all, it is easy to read, understand and implement the practical advice that fills each page. (2010) About the Authors Sandy K. Wurtele is a psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She currently directs the undergraduate program and chairs the Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects. She has been studying childhood sexual abuse (CSA) since 1986 and is recognized as an international expert in CSA prevention. Dr. Wurtele is the author of educational and scholarly materials for professionals, parents, and children (available at www.SandyWurtele.com). She is a popular conference speaker and workshop facilitator for professionals and parents. Feather Berkower is a 25-year veteran in child sexual abuse prevention. Using a community-oriented approach, she has trained over 70,000 school children and 35,000 parents. Her well-regarded workshop, Parenting Safe Children, empowers adults to keep children safe from sexual abuse. She presents in homes, schools, youth organizations, parenting groups, and businesses. Ms. Berkower has been co-director of a regional chapter of the Child Assault Prevention Program, which delivers school-based curricula that helps keep children and teens safe from bullying and sexual assault. She is a licensed clinical social worker and holds a Master’s of Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. She conducts media interviews, workshops, and private consultations throughout the United States regarding issues of child safety and child sexual assault prevention. For more information, visit www.ParentingSafeChildren.com. |