Talking with children about body safety

Most abuse of children is by someone they know. Children are safer when adults talk calmly, early and often about their bodies, using real words, and when they know they will be believed.

What to tell children

• Your body belongs to you. Nobody may touch your private parts, except to help you stay clean or healthy, and then they should say so first.
• No one should ask you to touch their private parts or look at theirs, or show you pictures about it.
• Secrets that make you feel scared or confused are not safe secrets. You can always tell.
• You will not be in trouble if you tell. We will believe you.
• Make a list of safe people: Ma, Papa, an aunt, a teacher.

How to talk

• Use correct names for body parts, in your home language.
• Keep it short and relaxed, in the car or at bathtime.
• Praise a child who says 'no' to unwanted touch, even to a relative.

If a child tells you

1. Stay calm. Say, 'I believe you. It is not your fault. I am glad you told me.'
2. Do not question or blame them, or confront the person alone.
3. Get help. The POCSO Act 2012 requires anyone who knows of child sexual abuse to report it. Call Childline 1098, or contact the police or the Child Welfare Committee.
4. Keep the child safe and take them to a doctor.