Statistics have shown that most child victims of sexual abuse are molested by men known to them.

Mum-of-two Kasey Edwards knows this fact. And it’s driven her decision to not allow any men, other than their father, to babysit her two daughters.

“We decided it was just easier and safer for us to have this rule,” Edwards said in an interview that appeared on The Project on Tuesday night.

“I don’t want to think of anyone in my family or any friend and question whether or not they could be a potential sex offender. So if we just have a blanket rule, then we’re safe.”

Listen: Jo Abi discusses another method parents use to protect their children that is sometimes criticised.



The Daily Life writer appeared on Channel Ten show after expressing her views in an explanatory opinion piece titled: ‘Why I won’t let any male babysit my children’.

Edwards told The Project hosts that she and her husband have no exceptions to the rule they introduced when their first daughter was born eight years ago.

Not even her father-in-law is allowed to care for his granddaughters without female company, however, male teachers were allowed as she had faith in the school’s systems.

The author said she had no problem offending male friends and relatives in her quest to keep her children safe - avoiding "hurt feelings" was not worth the risk.

"I know how lovely, gorgeous men in public, that would never hurt a fly, can be monsters in private," she told the panel.