CPC Sexual Abuse Prevention

Body ownership and sexual abuse prevention tips:

• Teach children to say "NO"
• Teach children to go and tell a grown-up
• Keep telling until a grown-up helps them
• Make it clear the abuse is not their fault
• Teach children proper names for body parts; family names for body parts may be confusing if the child goes to a non-family member for help
• Teach children their body belongs to them and nobody has the right to give them a touch they do not want
• Explain and distinguish between good, bad and confusing touches
• Teach children they need not blindly obey someone, but have your permission to say no to protect themselves
• Talk openly about sexual abuse. Unless the subject is clearly explained, children do not really understand what is meant
• It is important to explain sometimes adults who children know, trust, love or who have authority over them (babysitter, teacher, police officer) may try to do something wrong with or to them
• Teach your children not to keep secrets
• Teach your children to say they must ask their parents before accepting gifts from others
• Teach your children if anyone threatens them or their family to tell a grown-up immediately
• Identify five grown-ups your children can go to for help. Discuss how the child can contact them
• Practice - make sexual abuse prevention rules part of your family rules