Talking about sexual assault
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If bodies and sex are talked about it is possible to emphasise that children are the 'boss' of their bodies and that their private parts are private. It is possible in this context to be clear with children that it is absolutely NOT OK EVER for adults or bigger people to touch your private parts or for you to touch an adults or bigger persons private parts. They can touch their own private parts when they are alone. It is important to be specific with children and to indicate that private parts are those parts of your body that are covered by swimming costumes and include the mouth. Sometimes adults saying don't let anyone touch you 'down there' can be meaningless and could refer to knees or toes!
In a conversation about private parts it is possible to explain that there are some adults who want to touch childrens private parts or want to make children touch their private parts. These adults can sometimes use tricks and bribes and threats to get children to do what they want. Often these adults are people you and your family know and like and trust which is one of the ways they trick us. Another way they try to trick children is to make them feel like they really like you and make you feel special. Sometimes they tell you that it is a special secret but there should never be any secrets about touching. No one should touch you in a way that they would not touch you if other people were around. Sometimes it can helpful to use the concepts of privacy and surprises rather than good and bad secrets.
You can also tell them that these adults try to keep children very quiet about what they are doing to private parts and they do this by bribes, tricks, threatening people, pets or soft toys you love, making you feel guilty or telling you you'll get into trouble. It is a crime for adults to do this and they can go to jail. The adults who sexually assault want the children to keep it a secret because they know they - the adults - will get into trouble with the police and other people.
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Disclaimer
Copyright Updated: 15 Feb 2010
The South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future.