preventing sexual abuse
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Preventing sexual abuse
To help your child learn about his or her body
A child about 18 months old can begin to learn the names of parts of the
body.
When your child is between 3 and 5 years old, teach about the genitals
and other private parts of the body and about the differences between
boys’ and girls’ bodies.
Teaching can happen naturally, for
example, while your child is bathing.
Children who are blind or have vision
problems may need extra help learning
about the parts of the body. See pages 102
and 103 for activities that will help. Using
realistic dolls may also be helpful to teach
about body parts.
To help your child understand about his or her private
body parts
Explain that some parts of the body are more private than others.
Explain that people should not touch your child’s genitals or private
parts, and your child should not touch the private parts of others, even if
asked to.
Also, remember to explain that not all sexual abuse involves touch.
No one else should touch your
private parts. If someone asks you
to touch places that are private,
that is wrong.
Also if someone is
talking to you about
private things or
asking you to watch
private things, that is
wrong, too.
helping children who are blind