Avoiding Sexual Dangers (Paperback)

Parents today are faced with the challenge of trying to protect their children from sexual dangers all around us. These dangers include Internet pornography and sexual predators both online and in person, as well as other children who are acting out sexually. It takes skillful, proactive parenting to protect children from sexual dangers while allowing them to develop a normal, healthy sexuality. Without such proactive parenting, children can be exposed to pornography and sexual abuse, which can lead to sexual, emotional, and behavioral problems that can last a lifetime. "Avoiding Sexual Dangers" is a valuable resource for parents as well as for professionals who work with parents such as pediatricians, counselors, teachers, and pastors. This book outlines clear, easy steps to protect children and teens, both online and in the community. The book also helps parents determine if their child’s sexual behavior is normal, if their child is showing signs of sexual abuse, and if their child may need professional help. There are also chapters on how and when to talk to your child about sex and sexual abuse, how to spot a potential abuser, and what to do if your child has a sexual problem. “Avoiding Sexual Dangers” was written by sexual abuse experts Dr. Julie Medlin and Dr. Steven Knauts, psychologists with a combined 30 years of experience in working with children and teens who have sexual issues.

Dr. Medlin is a clinical psychologist who has expertise in evaluating and treating sexual abuse victims and perpetrators. Dr. Medlin graduated from Harvard University magna cum laude, with a BA in psychology, and she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida. Dr. Medlin serves as the Director of the Medlin Treatment Center (MTC), a counseling center in metro Atlanta that offers specialized treatment for sexual issues. She is also the Director of the Medlin Training Institute (MTI), which provides training and resources for professionals in the area of sexual abuse and sexual deviancy. Dr. Medlin published "Responsible Living," a sex offender treatment manual, along with "Breaking Through Denial." Dr. Medlin has provided numerous trainings for mental health professionals, judges, and correctional staff, and she frequently testifies as an expert in sexual abuse cases. Dr. Medlin is Past President of the Georgia Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, and she served on the Georgia Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Advisory Council and on the Georgia Sex Offender Registration Review Board. In addition, Dr. Medlin has appeared as an expert on televisions programs for CNN and Discovery Health, as well as several nationally syndicated programs. Dr. Knauts is a clinical psychologist who specializes in assessing and treating sexual issues in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Knauts graduated from the University of Utah magna cum laude with a BA in Psychology. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida. Dr. Knauts has worked at several forensic facilities, including the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center and Florida State Hospital. In addition to "Avoiding Sexual Dangers," Dr. Knauts co-authored "Breaking Through Denial." He has provided group and individual therapy for adolescents and adults with sexual problems, and has provided individual therapy for children with sexual and/or behavioral problems. Dr. Knauts has conducted psychological, psychosexual, and parenting evaluations, and has testified as an expert witness on numerous occasions. Dr. Knauts has conducted trainings for mental health professionals, foster parents, and the community, and has given presentations for Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Georgia CASA, the Georgia Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, and the National Organization for Victim Assistance.