Sexual Violence Prevention What You Can Do

Presentation objectives Learn what sexual violence is and how common it is. Learn what sexual violence is and how common it is. Learn about what puts children and adolescents at risk for sexual violence. Learn about what puts children and adolescents at risk for sexual violence. Learn what you can do as a parent and a community member to prevent sexual violence. Learn what you can do as a parent and a community member to prevent sexual violence.

Myth: The term sexual violence just means rape and child abuse.

Date Rape Sexual Assault Sexual Harassment Voyeurism Child Pornography Exhibitionism Rape Child Abuse Hate Crime Incest Internet Crime Intimate Partner Violence Stalking Statutory Rape Trafficking Exploitation Fact: Sexual violence is a complex, multifaceted problem. Prostitution

Myth: Sexual violence isn’t a problem in my community.

Sexual violence affects all communities.

Who is at risk for sexual violence? Most children are abused by someone they know and trust. Most children are abused by someone they know and trust. In up to 50% of reported cases, the abuser is an adolescent. In up to 50% of reported cases, the abuser is an adolescent. Children with weak family ties, low family income, and few friends are at higher risk of victimization. Children with weak family ties, low family income, and few friends are at higher risk of victimization. Children with sexually aggressive friends, who have witnessed or experienced violence, and who abuse drugs or alcohol are at higher risk of perpetration. Children with sexually aggressive friends, who have witnessed or experienced violence, and who abuse drugs or alcohol are at higher risk of perpetration.

What can you do as a parent to prevent sexual violence? Good communication is the key!

18 months–3 years Teach your child which body parts are private. Teach your child which body parts are private. Know the adults and children that spend time with your child. Know the adults and children that spend time with your child.

3–5 years Teach your child about private parts of the body. Teach your child about private parts of the body. Ask for advice. Ask for advice. Give simple answers. Give simple answers.

5–8 years Teach your child to respect the private parts of others. Teach your child to respect the private parts of others. Talk about whom your child can tell if someone makes him feel uncomfortable. Talk about whom your child can tell if someone makes him feel uncomfortable. Listen when your child tries to tell you something. Listen when your child tries to tell you something.

8–12 years Stress personal safety. Stress personal safety. Talk about peer pressure. Talk about peer pressure. Teach your child about sexual abuse. Teach your child about sexual abuse. Always know what your child is viewing and sharing on the Internet. Always know what your child is viewing and sharing on the Internet.

12–18 years Set aside time each week to talk about Set aside time each week to talk about –Types of sexual violence –Preventing sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy –Effects of drugs and alcohol on sexual behavior –Respect for others and by others

What can you do as a community member to prevent sexual violence? Encourage community groups, local leaders, and the media to promote positive cultural norms, model equitable relationships, and portray responsible sexual behavior. Encourage community groups, local leaders, and the media to promote positive cultural norms, model equitable relationships, and portray responsible sexual behavior. Refuse to tolerate sexist and homophobic harassment. Refuse to tolerate sexist and homophobic harassment.