Psychologist Says Child Sex Abuse Cases Are Not Rare

Sexual abuse of children both in El Paso and nationwide happens more often then people would like to admit. That’s according to El Paso clinical psychologist and trauma counseling specialist Dr. Richard Patterson who said, “it’s difficult to put a number on the amount of cases because many times they go unreported.”

According to Dr. Patterson the pedophile committing sexual acts on children often times is someone who would be least suspected of doing so. Which is why he said parents need to know who their children associate with. Also, awareness of sexual abuse needs to come from the home.

“The obvious thing here is Education, and you can’t just rely on the schools…you need to teach your child what to watch out for” said, Dr. Patterson. According to him parents who follow the following tips can better prepare their child to handle a possible sexual abuse encounter:

1. Teach them what a “good touch”, and “bad touch” are. 2. Explain what private parts are 3. Specifically name trustworthy people 4. Remind them of the “bad touches” constantly and of trustworthy people 5. Encourage them to tell someone if they feel they’ve been violated.

Dr. Patterson also said parents need not to be afraid and speak openly with their children, and be very specific when they speak to young children about private parts and what are the good and bad touches.