Sex education key to ending sex abuse among children ― Mothers

Some women in Kaduna metropolis on Monday described sex education as crucial to ending sexual abuse among children.

The women said in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna said that sexual abuse on children would drastically reduce if parents teach their children about sex and body parts early in life.

One of the women, Mrs Mariam Danjuma, a mother of three, said that children are more exposed to sexual abuse if they do not know anything about sex and their body parts.

“Most children don’t know much about sex and which part of their body is private and shouldn’t be exposed to their siblings or touched by friends or anybody.

“But if they know about sex and their private parts, they will know when someone is crossing the boundary and raise alarm quickly to draw attention.

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“Parents should talk to their children about sex and their body parts irrespective of their age to prevent them from being abused due to ignorance.

“I try as much as I can to educate my girls about these issues and I advise all parents to do same.

“If you relate well with your children at that level, they will be free to share their experiences with you and you will know how best to help them,” Mrs Danjuma said.

She advised parents against trusting anyone with their child, male or female, stressing that some of the perpetrators could be relations and next door neighbours.

Similarly, Mrs Nanshin Ephraim equally said that when children understand what constitutes sexual abuse, they would know what to do in such circumstances.

According to her, most children keep mum when they are abused because they find it difficult to start such a conversation with parents who view such discussion as `a no-go area’.

“Children need to know what sexual abuse is and what abusers are likely to do. This will create the needed atmosphere for children to inform their parents if anyone crosses the line,” she said.

On her part, Mrs Shakira Abdulghafar said that parents must not only educate their children about sex abuse but equally teach them how to defend themselves.

“Equip your children with the needed information and they will resist anyone that makes advances on them, including fathers, uncles or trusted friends,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Ifeoma Celestine, urged parents to closely monitor their children and who they play with, stressing that some of the culprits could be their friends or neighbour’s kids.

“If you don’t teach them about sex and how they could be sexually abused, they will explore and teach themselves and may practicalise it with your neighbours when an opportunity presents itself,” she said.