Recognizing an abusive situation is a skill for both parents and children which can help them stay away from such situations. Understanding the concept of ‘Safe Touch - Unsafe Touch’ is the first building block to this.
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Safe Touch |
Unsafe Touch |
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Anything that makes us feel good
and leaves us
happy and comfortable |
Anything that makes us feel unsafe, confused and leaves us uneasy,
excited or uncomfortable |
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Holding hands with friends, sharing meals,
warm hug from loving parents |
Touches involving our special parts that are private to us, touches that are told to be kept secret |
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Just like you teach your child safety rules about crossing the road, you should also teach them about Safe and Unsafe Touch and methods to take care of themselves.
Emphasise that they should say "NO" to any action/touch that causes discomfort or unease to the child. You must teach them:
• It is NEVER all right for someone to touch the child’s private body parts except to keep them clean and healthy.
It is never alright for someone older or bigger to ask the child to touch their private body parts.
• If this happens and they feel confused they should be taught to say "NO" and get AWAY.
• They should TELL a trusted adult and KEEP TELLING until they get the help they need.
Give this information in an age and gender appropriate manner.
For references of books on talking to children about this topic see Resources Available.
URL - www.arpan.org.in/csa.html#anchor2csa |
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