Sexual Assault Awareness and Children

Sexual Assault Awareness and Children

, Frances Yates, Jesse Whitton, outreach, Programs

To create awareness and promote education about sexual assault and children, we have gathered these resources to share via the IU East Campus Library blog. This content is also available in a free, publicly accessible resource guide: https://iue.libguides.com/SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth/youth

At any time if you know or believe that a child has been abused or neglected, please report the situation to the Department of Child Services Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-800-5556.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/childsexualabuse.html

Child sexual abuse is a significant but preventable public health problem. Many children wait to report or never report child sexual abuse. Although estimates vary across studies, the data shows that about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse at some point in childhood.

Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know about Sexual Abuse

https://www.nctsn.org/resources/caring-kids-what-parents-need-know-about-sexual-abuse (free download and printer friendly versions provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Provides parents and caregivers with tools to help them support children who have been victims of sexual abuse, information on the importance of talking to children and youth about body safety, and guidance on how to respond when children disclose sexual abuse. This fact sheet series also includes advice on how to cope with the shock of intrafamilial abuse and with the emotional impact of legal involvement in sexual abuse cases.

https://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/sexual-assault-awareness

The NCTSN (National Child Traumatic Stress Network) provides a list of resources for children, teens, parents and caregivers, educators, child welfare and juvenile justice professionals, and mental health providers. They are available in English and Spanish.  https://www.nctsn.org/resources/preguntas-y-respuestas-acera-del-abuso-sexual-infantil-una-entrevista-con-la-dra-esther

Fact Sheet topics include:

  • Caring for kids who have been the victim of sexual abuse  
  • Teen sexual assault and why teens don’t disclose sexual assault
  • Q & A for ‘Who Should I Tell?’ and how to seek help after sexual abuse
  • Information for parents and caregivers on acquaintance rape
  • Safety guide for teens

Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center

  • What to do if you suspect a child is being abused

If you suspect or know that a child (someone 17 or younger) is being abused, call the Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

If a child is in immediate danger, also call 911. Learn about the indicators of abuse and more about how you can help.

  • Prevent child sexual abuse

According to research, in the United States, an estimated 1 in 10 children, or 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys, are sexually abused in childhood. You can help prevent abuse and ensure children who are abused get the help they need. Learn more.

  • Internet Safety

Child sexual abuse happens online, too. Stay informed with how children are using the internet, and who they’re talking to. Learn more.

  • Youth Sports

Children deserve to learn, play and grow in a safe environment. Learn more.

  • For Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities have special considerations when preventing, recognizing and responding to abuse. Learn more.

  • Print Materials

Download and share brochures, Keeping My Family Safe workbook, family safety plans and more. View print materials. 

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)

https://www.nsvrc.org/preventing-child-sexual-abuse-resources

NSVRC has a collection of resources to provide information and tools for caregivers, organizations, and communities. These resources includes educational and training materials such as podcasts, curriculum material, and links to other helpful sites regarding child sexual development, defining sexual abuse, and learning effective strategies to prepare for prevention.

How Can I Protect My Child from Sexual Assault? (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

https://www.rainn.org/articles/how-can-i-protect-my-child-sexual-assault

also in Spanish: https://rainn.org/articles/como-puedo-proteger-mi-hijo-del-abuso-sexual

RAINN recommends a list of precautions to help protect the children in your life.  Being involved in the child’s life and encouraging the child to speak up can help discover warning signs of child sexual abuse if the child feels comfortable coming to you if something isn’t right. When a child knows that their voice will be heard and taken seriously, they are given the courage to speak up. There is also information on how to evaluate caregivers and how to have conversations about sexual assault with your children.

Keeping Children Safe (Monique Burr Foundation for Children)

Information about the different forms of child sexual abuse, physical and behavioral indicators of a child that has been sexually abused, and how to protect children from victimization.

MBF offers free 1 hour online courses to learn more about topics related to child safety:

  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect
  • Real World Safety: Protecting children online and off from bullying, cyberbullying, and digital abuse
  • Protecting Children from Child Sexual Abuse

Visit www.childsafetymattersedu.org to enroll in these free online courses.

CARES Northwest

Tips and resources for keeping children safe and informed:

What to Say at Every Age (Committee for Children)

Downloadable how-to conversation guides to help adults approach vital safety conversations that can help empower children to refuse or report sexual abuse:

Books to read and discuss with children

C is for Consent by Eleanor Morrison

A children’s board book about respecting body boundaries. Teaches babies, toddlers, and thoughtful parents that it is okay for kids to say no to hugs and kisses, and that what happens to a person’s body is up to them. Inspired by the #MeToo movement, written by a mom, illustrated by a feminist artist, and successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter. Follows recommendations by child experts about allowing kids to decide when and how to offer affection to others. Helps young kids grow up confident in their bodies, comfortable with expressing physical boundaries, and respectful of the boundaries of others.

My Body Belongs to Me by Jill Starishevsky

Without being taught about body boundaries, a child may be too young to understand when abuse is happening – or that it’s wrong. This straightforward, gentle book offers a tool parents, teachers and counselors can use to help children feel, be, and stay safe. The rhyming story and simple, friendly illustrations provide a way to sensitively share and discuss the topic, guiding young children to understand that their private parts belong to them alone. The overriding message is that if someone touches your private parts, tell a safe adult. 

My Body is Private by Linda Walvoord Girard

Julie, who is eight years old, talks about privacy and about saying “no” to touching that makes her uncomfortable. 90 customers reviews give it an average 4.5/5 star rating, with comments such as “I bought this book for my 8 year old who thinks she’s 14. It was a fantastic conversation starter for us and the examples were spot on. It allowed me to emphasize that she needs to follow her instincts. If something makes her uncomfortable then she can take control of the situation. This advice will serve her well as she gets older. I sincerely appreciate having this book as a tool and guide to discuss an uncomfortable subject.”

I Said No! by Zack and Kimberly King

Written from a child’s perspective, this book helps them set healthy boundaries for their private body parts which can be a daunting and awkward task for parents, counselors and educators. Using a simple, direct approach, children learn to rehearse and remember appropriate responses to help keep them safe. Topics include:

  • What’s appropriate and with whom
  • How to deal with inappropriate behavior, bribes and threats
  • When and where to go for help
  • What to do if the people you are turning to for help don’t listen
  • Dealing with feelings of guilt and shame

Please tell by Jessie

Nine-year-old Jessie’s words and illustrations help other sexually abused children know that they’re not alone, that it’s OK to talk about their feelings, and that the abuse wasn’t their fault. Reaching out to other children in a way that no adult can, Jessie’s words carry the message that it’s o.k. to tell and help can come when you tell. The book can be a tool for therapists, counselors, child protection workers, teachers, and parents dealing with children affected by sexual abuse. Jessie’s story adds a sense of hope for what should be, and the knowledge that the child protection system can work for children. Simple, direct, and from the heart, Jessie gives children the permission and the courage to deal with sexual abuse.

Throughout the month of April, the campus will be hosting a series of virtual events as a way to spread awareness about sexual assault.  The IU East Campus Library urges you to participate virtually in these endeavors.

All month long: #IUE30DaysofSAAM

Respond to Instagram posts regarding Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Students with an IU East Crimson Card will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Crimson Card credit

Wednesday, April 29: Denim Day

Wear your jeans proudly to dispel myths about sexual assault, share online with #IUEDenimDay and tag @IUEastTitleIX

For assistance, we are here for you!

IU East is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all its students.  If you have any questions or concerns about sexual assault on campus, contact IU East Deputy Title IX Coordinator Tracy Amyx, or access IU resources at the campus Title IX page, or at Stop Sexual Violence. A library resource guide has additional information: https://iue.libguides.com/SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth

If you would like assistance locating reliable resources, you are welcome to Ask Us iueref@iue.edu.

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