Sexual Abuse Good communication between the parent and child is the most important step in protecting a child against sexual abuse. While talking with children about anything is sometimes challenging for parents, talking about child sexual abuse can be even more difficult. This booklet is for parents who want a little help in finding the right way to talk about sexual abuse with their children. Getting Ready You might feel uncomfortable because you may not know how to begin, or because you feel you do not have the answers to all the questions your child may ask. You may worry that you could destroy your child's ability to trust adults and share affection, or leave the child thinking that sex is "bad" or "dirty." You may be afraid of confusing or frightening the child by saying the wrong thing. If you present the information as being a lesson in personal safety (as when you told your child not to touch a hot stove or to walk facing traffic), you will real...