Protective Behaviors for adults and children

Do not use “good touch/bad touch” language. Stranger danger – sometimes a stranger is all they have for help. Talk about the “uh-oh” feeling – trust it! Teach your child he/she has the right to say no to an adult. Teach your child if he/she said no and it didn’t work, it is never their fault. TALKING WITH CHILDREN

PROBLEM SOLVING What would you do if … What could you do if … Who could you tell if … –Child should name 5 people they can trust –Child should name safe places to go Encourage your children to talk about their feelings Explore the concept of secrets (good versus bad)

FIRST RULE OF SAFETY Where the child is going. Who the child is with. When the child will be back. Adults also need to follow this rule

PRACTICE BEING SAFE Use protective behaviors ALL the time Be aware of your surroundings –At home: Know neighbors and their vehicles –On the street: Know the area, ID safe locations Learn safe routes for walking/jogging/biking –Well lit –Populated

PRACTICE BEING SAFE Lock doors and windows –At home: deadbolts, bars/sticks in runner –In your car: crack your window to talk NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle Make sure children know their phone number and a number to get in touch with a parent Have back-up plans

PRACTICE BEING SAFE Don’t give out personal information on the computer. Carry a cell phone –Keep it charged –911: Give your location first Trust but verify! –Ask for identification –CCAP, SORP, Google, etc.

POINTS OF INTEREST Crime Triangle Model –Desire –Ability –Opportunity Children and adults who know how to stand up for themselves assertively are less likely to become victims. Mindset: Rehearse what you would do Most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.

MOST IMPORTANT Look, listen and trust your instincts. Get involved with your children and their interest early in their lives and STAY involved Talk WITH your children (not to them) Do not stop communicating with your child as he/she grows. Practice what you preach.

WEB SITES Wisconsin Sex Offender Program (SORP) – Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) – Wisconsin Department of Corrections – National Center for Missing & Exploited Children –