Making it easier to talk to your child.

Discussing body safety with your child is not easy. As caregivers, we often tell ourselves that “this couldn’t happen in my family” or “my friend/brother/neighbor would never do that to my child.” But these are among the many myths that enable abusers to do their damage. Below are resources to make the conversation easier and less taboo.

Sparking the Body Safety Conversation

Degrees of Risk

Myths-Facts

Facts about Teen Sexual Assault

Consent for Kids & Adults

Why Children Don’t Tell

Frequently Asked Questions

It is imperative to discuss body safety with your child. It doesn’t need to be intimidating or scary. These conversations can start small and grow more complex over time. Here are some tips to get started and a list of recommended books to help you and your children fully understand the issue.

Talking Body Safety Disclosures

Recommended Books for Children and Families

Responding to Disclosures – English

Responding to Disclosures – Spanish

Keeping children safe online.

It’s estimated that 1 out of 5 children are solicited sexually online—so parents also have to talk about Internet safety with their children.  Here are some guidelines and resources for having and reinforcing those conversations.

Internet Safety

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – NetSmartz

Additional resources for caregivers and children.

Learn the scope of the child sexual abuse problem in Kent County and around the country. National & Local Statistics

Common Reactions to Stress or Trauma

Coping Tools

Teen Sexual Assault – Information for Parents

Self Care Worksheets

KIDS Have Rights®, a program of the Children’s Advocacy Center, goes into area schools to educate students, staff and caregivers about body safety.

Stewards of Children® is a national training program empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse. It is conducted locally by the Children’s Advocacy Center.