Hello Parent(s)

We talk with children all the

time about safety.  Things like

look both ways before you cross

the street, wear your seatbelt

but often miss a conversation

about body safety. Over 90% of

sex offenders know their victims

and less than 30% of parents empower their child with the knowledge that could help protect them from abuse. Having the “stranger-danger” conversation is not enough.

During this time of COVID 19 and the need for a cure, arming your child with information about child sexual abuse just might vaccinate them against the advances of a motivated offender.

Important conversation points might be:

1. Talk to them about their body and that no one has the right to touch their private parts.

2. Talk with them about boundaries and let others know if they are feeling uncomfortable.

3. Talk with them secrets and that there are no secrets about touching.

4. Let them know that no one should look at or take pictures of their private parts.

5. It is never their fault for being tricked into an unsafe touch and that you will believe them.

6. Reinforce that these rules apply to everyone – friends, family or other people that they know.

Know that you are the best protector of your child(ren) and educating your child to recognize unsafe situations, what to do in uncomfortable situations and how to tell is what protects them. Offenders seek out children without information about sexual abuse. Giving your child(ren) knowledge is a deterrent and makes them less vulnerable. Please review the resources here with your child and have an open conversation with them. Let them know you are there for them and will believe them. Nothing is so terrible that they can’t come to you.