Parent Resources

Talking with your child about abuse can be uncomfortable, but we're here to help! There are many resources available to help parents talk with their children of all ages about bodily autonomy and consent. Internalizing the importance of personal boundaries and permission are essential to the prevention of sexual abuse. Parents play the most important role in their child's education by demonstrating these concepts in daily life and maintaining an open and honest dialogue with their children. Unfortunately, abuse still happens, despite everyone's best efforts and of no fault of anyone other than the abuser. It is just as important for parents to know how to help their child after abuse as it is to try and prevent it. A parent's response and follow-up to a child's abuse disclosure will impact the child's ability to process and recover after abuse. For any questions these resources may not answer, for further assistance or support, click below.  

Elementary

 Respect and bodily autonomy are important concepts to be internalized by people of all ages. For children, this translates into "personal body safety." All children should understand that no one has a right to touch their body in ways that hurt them or make them feel uncomfortable. Children have the right to say "no" to giving or receiving unwanted touches and have their voices be respected. By educating children on these key concepts, as well as how to get help when someone breaks the safety rule, the values of consent are instilled at a young age. We know that teaching consent to young people is one way we can prevent sexual violence in the future.  

Middle School

 During this time when children's bodies are changing and evolving beyond their control, teaching kids about consent and bodily autonomy is essential. Sexual harassment is common in middle schools as children explore their evolving bodies and emotions. However, sexual harassment is illegal in the schools because it is harmful for those bullied in this way and often for those around them. Teaching the principles of consent is essential to preventing sexual harassment in schools, online, and in adulthood.  

High School

 Educating teens on the principles of consent and the law is essential to protecting them from misconduct and even illegal activity. As they approach the age of legal consent for sexual activity and experience increasing pressures to become sexually active, teens must internalize their right to have their personal boundaries respected. They should understand state and federal laws regarding consent to physical and electronic sexual behaviors. The should also understand how to get help when they feel hurt or disrespected.