— Ensuring that convicted pedophile Jerry Sandusky remains in jail for the rest of his life is just one step in the fight to ensure children are safe from child predators.

Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant football coach, was convicted of sexually assaulting 10 boys over 15 years.

Sandusky was found guilty of 45 of 48 counts and is awaiting sentencing in a Pennsylvania jail.

Many of the charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, and Sandusky is certain to spend the rest of his life in prison, according to the Associated Press.

The shame is that much of Sandusky’s actions could have been prevented with the aid of those who suspected him of wrongdoing.

Several people over the course of years knew of suspicious activity.

Some alerted others to the potential abuse.

The bottom line is that not nearly enough was done to ensure the safety of the children who were near Sandusky.

That must be the legacy of this tragedy.

People must become more aware of situations around them — and act on them.

Protecting children

Here are seven steps to protecting children from child abuse, according to Darkness 2 Light.

Step 1: Learn the facts — Realities, not trust, should influence your decisions regarding children.

Step 2: Minimize Opportunity — If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations, you’ll dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for children.

Step 3: Talk About It — Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about it.

Step 4: Stay Alert — Don’t expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Signs are often there but you’ve got to spot them.

Step 5: Make a Plan — Learn where to go, whom to call, and how to react.

Step 6: Act on Suspicions — The future well being of a child is at stake.

Step 7: Get Involved — Volunteer and financially support organizations that fight the tragedy of child sexual abuse.

Source: d2l.org.