Every child has the fundamental right to grow up free from sexual abuse.  Yet, research estimates that approximately 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.  In most cases, the perpetrator is someone the child knows—often a trusted individual in their life.  Tragically, the abuse may continue over an extended period, sometimes for months or even years.  One key reason this happens is that many children have never been taught about sexual abuse or how to seek help, leaving them confused, fearful, and unsure of how to respond.  Early, age-appropriate conversations and education about body safety and boundaries are critical to prevention and early intervention.

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We recognize that for many parents, discussing the topic of sexual abuse with their children can feel overwhelming, confusing, and deeply uncomfortable.  At Talk with Grace, we offer a straightforward, compassionate solution to help ease that burden.  Our program is designed to educate both parents and children by providing clear, age-appropriate information about sexual abuse, including:
 

• What sexual abuse is and how to recognize it

• Who perpetrators typically are and how they target children

• Common tactics used by abusers—such as lies, threats, and manipulation—to maintain secrecy

• How children can respond in unsafe situations and seek help

• Who they can talk to and how to report abuse

• How to stay safe in a variety of potentially harmful situations
   

And so much more—all delivered in a safe, supportive, and empowering way.  Let us guide you and your child through these essential conversations.

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While many parents offer well-meaning advice to protect their children from sexual abuse, certain messages - though intended to be helpful - can unintentionally create confusion.  Children tend to take words literally, and general guidance such as “tell me if a stranger touches you” may not be effective in practice.  The reality is that the vast majority of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child - and often the parent - knows and trusts.  When a known individual crosses boundaries, a child who has only been warned about strangers may feel unsure, conflicted, or even responsible, which can prevent them from speaking up or seeking help.  Effective prevention involves clear, specific, and age-appropriate conversations that help children understand body safety, recognize unsafe behaviors - regardless of who is involved - and know how to respond and who to tell.

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Phrases like “don’t let anyone touch you” or “just say no” are often shared with children as protective advice. While well-intentioned, these messages can unintentionally cause harm. If a child is sexually abused despite hearing such guidance, they may internalize a sense of guilt or responsibility for not being able to prevent the abuse.  In reality, perpetrators are fully aware that the child does not want to be abused.  A child saying “no” is rarely enough to stop an abuser’s actions, especially when manipulation, threats, or coercion are involved.  As a result, many children fear they will be blamed, punished, or not believed. This fear can lead to secrecy, preventing them from disclosing the abuse and accessing the support they need.  It is essential to provide children with developmentally appropriate, non-blaming education about abuse, empowering them to understand that abuse is never their fault - and that they will be supported, believed, and protected when they speak up.

 

The Child Sexual Abuse Awareness workshop is offered virtually via Google Meet, enabling children and their parents or caregivers to participate safely and comfortably from home.  This interactive workshop is designed to be child-friendly and age-appropriate. Please be assured that this is not a sex education course.  The content focuses solely on helping children and caregivers understand what constitutes sexual abuse - specifically, situations where someone touches a child’s private parts or forces the child to touch someone else’s private parts.  We teach the correct anatomical names for private parts to promote clarity and safety, but no sexual education or discussion beyond this scope is included.

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Parents who have participated in our Child Sexual Abuse Awareness workshop frequently share how unexpectedly comfortable they felt discussing sexual abuse openly with their children - without feelings of awkwardness, embarrassment, or nervousness.  This workshop is designed to facilitate meaningful and supportive conversations between you and your child about sexual abuse, helping to open vital lines of communication.  Don’t delay in equipping your child with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe - take the first step toward these important conversations today.  Please contact us to register and find out the dates/times of our next workshop. 

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