Home > Sexual assault crisis services sacs > Tips For Parents
Tips for Parents and Friends of Sexually Assaulted Children
Learn how to approach your child on the subject of sexual violence / misconduct.
If you suspect that your child may have been exposed to sexual misconduct or want to educate your child on what is appropriate or not, you can use these tips to talk with your child.
- Talk with children about the differences between safe and unsafe touches.
- Encourage children to trust their instincts.
- Know the people that your child spends time with, both caretakers and friends.
- Talk with children about the appropriate names for body parts, and that his/her body is special and private.
- Teach children that they have the right to say no to anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Teach your children to always respect the rights and bodies of others.
- Talk with children about who they can tell if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.
What to do if a child discloses sexual abuse to you. The below steps will help you to support your child.
- Stay calm.
- Tell the child that it was good to tell and that you believe her/him.
- Let the child know that this information does not change the way you feel about her/him.
- Ask only as many questions as you need to know to keep the child safe.
- Tell her/him what comes next.
- Get help and support for yourself. Call our hotline.
Hotline for Sexual Assault Victims and Survivors
If you are a Sexual Assault victim or you know of someone who has been sexual assaulted, please contact us today. If you were sexually abused or assaulted in the past, it may still be affecting your life. It may still be helpful to talk about your feelings.
24-hour Crisis Hotline
Toll free: 1-888-999-5545 (English) and 1-888-568-8332 (En Espanol)
Women and Families Direct Hotline: 203-235-4444
TTY access during office hours (Monday-Friday 9:00am-5pm) after hours use CT Relay Service 7-1-1.
To learn more about the WFC’s Sexual Assault Crisis Services, please click here
