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Help for parents: How to protect your children from attacks!
Find out how parents can support their children in crisis situations, especially after the shocking events in Villach.
Help for parents: How to protect your children from attacks!
The current events in Villach are shocking the whole of Austria, especially young people who are afraid of imitation acts. Brigit Satke, head of the advice team at Rat auf Draht, reports numerous calls from young people who are worried that something similar could happen near them or at their schools. The situation is also stressful for parents, as they wonder how they can support their children in such difficult times and which conversations make sense. It is crucial to talk about what is happening in a fact-based manner and to express your own feelings. Information from the police or state government should be followed up to avoid false rumors as Advice on wire explained.
The experts recommend allowing all emotions and taking them seriously, be it sadness, fear or anger. An open dialogue helps to eliminate fears and support the child. Parents should regularly ask about their child's feelings and consume child-friendly messages to discuss the situation. A healthy break from the news is also important to control emotional overload. This can be done through shared activities such as games or walks. In addition, according to documents from parentsite.at, parents can act preventatively through close communication and strengthen their children's emotional security.
Important prevention measures
Raising awareness of sexual assault begins in early childhood. Birgit Satke emphasizes that although 100% protection is impossible, the risk can be reduced through sensitive upbringing. Children should learn to trust their own feelings and maintain open communication about all topics. This helps children be more likely to listen to their emotions and use them as a tool in dangerous situations. Sex education should be child-friendly and it is important that children learn to say “no” and set limits at an early age.
In the event of an actual incident, parents are encouraged to pay attention, listen and act. They should be available as trustworthy contacts. This is all the more important because Rat auf Draht's emergency number 147 has already recorded over 500 requests for advice on sexual violence in 2022. It is crucial to seek help from professionals and advice centers in order to offer support to both the affected children and their families.