You’ve seen the disturbing headlines: “7^th Heaven Star Stephen Collins Confesses to Child Molestation.” It’s a far stretch from Reverend Eric Camden, the beloved character he portrayed for almost a decade on the popular faith-based television program, which also starred Jessica Biel. As for his real life character? Allegedly, in an audio recording released by TMZ on 10/7/14, Collins confessed to sexual misconduct with three underage girls (ages 11-13), including exposing himself and having a girl put her hand on his penis. The alleged sexual abuse occurred in the 1970’s with children that he knew.

According to Lauren’s Kids, a South Florida based nonprofit that educates adults and children about sexual abuse prevention, “more than 90% of the time a child is abused, it is at the hands of someone they know, love, and trust. This is not by accident. Pedophiles groom children and family members to trust them, and they knowingly and purposefully choose jobs and activities that will allow them to prey on children.” In an effort to translate the shocking actions of Collins into purposeful conversation for families, Orlando Family Magazine sought help from Lauren Book, founder of Lauren’s Kids, to gather advice for parents on how to help prevent sexual abuse.

In the wake of her own abuse, which lasted for six years at the hands of her live-in female nanny (now serving a prison sentence), Lauren used her horrific personal experience as a vehicle to create positive change. According to Lauren’s Kids, 95% of child sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness. The organization developed and implements Safer, Smarter Kids, an abuse prevention education curriculum designed for Pre-K and elementary-aged children. The program uses developmentally appropriate information to arm children with the tools and language they need to better protect themselves from abuse. Toolkits for either parents or teachers can be ordered at http://safersmarterkids.org. Here is a sample: http://laurenskids.org/sample-curriculum.

2015 marks the sixth anniversary of Lauren Book’s 1,500-mile Walk in My Shoes walk across the state of Florida, including Orlando. Over the past six years, tens of thousands of Floridians, including thousands of survivors, have come out to walk with Lauren and show their support for her mission to end child sexual abuse and help survivors heal. Walk in My Shoes has given a voice to an experience shared by 1-in-3 girls and 1-in-5 boys in the U.S., and Lauren’s statewide legislative advocacy has helped pass almost two dozen Florida laws.

As horrific as the topic may be, Lauren’s Kids says that “it is so important to keep lines of communication open (with children).” The organization also recommends learning the potential signs of abuse at DontMisstheSigns.org.

Have you broached this subject with your young children?