Parents, even as you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, be sure to maintain situational awareness as it relates to your children’s safety. Talk to your children about what unacceptable contact, touching or inappropriate sexual behavior is and looks like.
- Empower your kids – let them know that it is okay to say NO to any adult, including family members
- Do not allow your kids (boy or girl) to be in a room alone with any adult (it does not matter if the adult’s name is Jesus)
- Always check on your kids and let them know you’re checking on them
- Do not encourage/force your child to be affectionate (e.g., hug, kiss, sit on laps) with a relative or friend
- Be open and accessible (non-condescending, non-judgmental) – let your child know that s/he can speak to you about anything
Sexual assault or abuse is often perpetrated by those closest to the victim (i.e., a relative, neighbor, friend) and can happen in the blink of an eye – right under your nose.
Be smart and be vigilant!
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