Despite a seemingly constant flow of horrific and heartbreaking stories in the media, it’s the topic no one seems to want to talk about with their own kids: child sexual abuse – not by strangers, but by people they know and trust. But, experts say, talking about the issue is exactly what’s needed to help prevent abuse.

Committee for Children – a King County-based nonprofit organization that provides learning materials to schools across the world about preventing sexual abuse, bullying and violence – reports there is good news among the sad headlines. Studies show that child sexual abuse actually declined between 1992 and 2006.

Still, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. And, studies show that nine out of 10 child molesters know their victims. While most parents are comfortable talking about “stranger danger” with their children, it’s often difficult to talk about unwanted touching by someone children might know.

“Sexual abuse can be prevented,” emphasizes Joan Cole Duffell, executive director of Committee for Children. “We can teach children that they can tell a trusted adult about abuse, and that the adults around them will believe them, support them, give them the help they need and deal with the offender appropriately. Kids with that knowledge have the best chance of growing up with very few negative effects from the abuse.”

In observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Committee for Children offers these tips to parents for helping their children prevent sexual abuse:

* Teach children the correct names, not “fun” or nicknames, for their private body parts.

* Teach children that “you are the boss of your body.”

* Explain to your children that there are three kinds of touches: safe touch, unsafe touch and unwanted touch.

* Teach your children the touching safety rule: “No one should touch your private body parts except to keep you clean and healthy.”

* Tell your children that if someone breaks the rule, they should say “no,” get away if they can, and tell a trusted adult. If that adult doesn’t help them, they should keep telling until someone does.

* Don’t be afraid to revisit the conversation. Children learn by repetition. Age-appropriate books and videos on the subject can be great conversation starters.

Committee for Children is headquartered in Seattle. To learn more, go to www.cfchildren.org.