TYLER (KYTX) - Thomas Brookbank's arrest comes after a 9-year-old girl told police he was sexually abusing her and others. The abuse accusations have shaken Tyler mobile home park, Shiloh Pines- a neighborhood where Rodney Dolphus raises his six children.
"It's kind of disturbing that it happened this close to home, but I'm glad that they've made an arrest." says Dolphus.
He hopes his children would be able to talk to him if they became victims of abuse.
Brenda Sanchez with the Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County says the first step in making sure your child is comfortable talking about abuse is to keep an open line of conversation.
"Ask them what was the good thing about their day, what was the bad thing about their day." says Sanchez -questions that require more than just a 'yes' or 'no.'
And, when it comes to teaching them about sexual abuse, Sanchez recommends the swimsuit method.
"What is covered by their swimsuit is their personal space and it's their body. And, they have the right to say no to anyone trying to invade that space." says Sanchez.
And, look for abuse warning signs- trouble sitting or standing, hesitancy in changing clothes, shyness around adults, or a sudden change in behavior or personality.
Sexual abuse is not something children are typically going to lie about. Sanchez says if your child comes to you about being abused, the best thing you can do is believe them and report it.
"Let them know that it's not their fault."
Rodney says that's what he would do for his children.
"If someone tries to approach them or tries to touch them in an inappropriate way, run and come let me, myself know, my sister, or my wife."
Then, let the professionals do the investigating.
Anyone 17 or older is required by law to report suspicions of child abuse. If you don't, you could spend 180 days in jail or pay a $2,000 fine.
If you need to report sexual abuse, call 1-800-252-5400 or visit txabusehotline.org
