ABSTRACT
Sexual abuse is most often a gradual process (called grooming) where the perpetrator starts off by getting close to the child by buying them their favourite toy/food, sharing of small secrets and creating a relationship based on secrecy and manipulation. Therefore, fostering an environment at home where children can talk about what is bothering them is key to sexual abuse prevention. Although many people recover from traumatic events, childhood sexual trauma has a significantly pervasive impact on a person’s general and sexual well-being. The good news is children who have a supportive family recover from the impact of such traumatic events much quicker and with support are able to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The traffic light model lists examples of green, yellow and red behaviours within four different age groups. Green behaviours highlight opportunities to provide positive feedback and information that supports healthy sexuality. Yellow and red behaviours require observation, education, increased monitoring or therapy.
