Child Safety Advocate Urges Vigilance After High-Profile Allegations
In a column published in the Tampa Bay Times, Ron Book, a child safety advocate, shares a personal account of missing signs of child sexual abuse in his own family. He uses the recent allegations against former Palm Beach County…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 26, 2026 —
Child safety advocate Ron Book has shared a personal reflection on the difficulty of recognizing signs of child sexual abuse, drawing on his own family experiences. In a column published by the Tampa Bay Times, Book uses recent allegations against former Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts Mike Caruso to highlight the prevalence of abuse occurring within trusted relationships.
Book’s commentary emphasizes that child sexual abuse often happens in environments where individuals are least likely to suspect it, underscoring the need for constant vigilance from parents and caregivers. He points to the importance of observing subtle behavioral shifts in children and being alert to potentially suspicious interactions between adults and children.
The advocate stressed the critical role of open and consistent communication with children regarding personal boundaries and the concept of ‘safe secrets.’ He advises adults to foster an environment where children feel empowered to speak about uncomfortable situations without fear.
Book directs readers toward resources aimed at preventing child abuse and supporting victims. The specific resources were not detailed in the summary. The details surrounding the allegations against Mike Caruso were not elaborated upon in the summary provided.
Story summarized from the original created by By Ron Book on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
