Tips for Talking with Children about Rape
Posted 11/10/2011 4:28pm
Parents and youth-group leaders have been bombarding CRCC with questions this week. This is what we've heard:
"My 9-year-old son came home from school and asked me what rape is," said one parent. "He heard it on the school bus."
"I have a youth group meeting this weekend and I want to talk to teens about sexual abuse and the Penn State case," said another. "Can you give me tips on what to say to them?"
You can download a tip sheet at the right of this screen or here's a couple quick tips to help you talk to children and teens about sexual assault:
Remember, YOU can call Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s 24-hour hotline (216.619.6192) to ask questions about how to talk to children or respond to questions.
- It’s never too early or too late to start talking to children about sexual assault. Three-year-olds can learn about safe, ouch and “uh-oh” touches and what to do if someone touches the parts covered by a bathing suit. Eight-year-olds can learn about respect and boundaries. Middle school students can learn about sexual harassment. There is an age-appropriate way to talk to children of all ages and stages.
- Sexual abuse is when someone touches you or makes you touch them in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. Often, but not always, it is when someone older than you touches your penis/ vagina in a way that makes you feel uneasy. It could also be when someone older than you makes you touch their penis/vagina.
- Sexual abuse doesn't always involve touching, it can involve them showing you sexual pictures or movies that make you feel uncomfortable. The key is that if YOU feel uncomfortable, then it is probably wrong and you have the right to stop it.
- Provide information in clear and simple terms. Refer to body parts by their appropriate names, like penis and vagina, not nicknames.
- Remind children that “YOUR BODY BELONGS TO YOU” and no one can touch it in a way that makes you uncomfortable. No matter who it is that is trying to touch, kiss or hug you, the child ALWAYS has the right to say not. If someone tries to touch a child after they say NO, they should tell an adult.
- Teach children to tell if they ever feel uncomfortable around another person, even if they don’t know why they feel uncomfortable. It’s okay to tell someone they trust that another person makes them feel creepy. Those are the instincts that adults and children need to pay attention to.
Download the tip sheet at right for more tips and advice about how to talk to a child.
Talk to a Child to Prevent Sexual Abuse
Talk to a Teen to Prevent Sexual Assault
Schedule a speaker from Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.
Defining the Rules: Know the Difference between Sex and Rape
Other Resources:
CRCC 24-hour hotline: 216-619-6192
