Address the issue of secrecy…

or threats that some perpetrators use with children to keep them quiet about the abuse. Touching is NEVER a secret. When you are sad or confused because someone asked you to keep a secret, you can ask 2-3 grownups for help. Talk to your children about bad secrets and that they can come to you anytime someone has made them feel uncomfortable and that you won’t be angry. Reinforce that it is never a child’s fault if they were touched in an unsafe way. It’s always the adult’s fault and the parent’s job is to protect them. Presents and parties are different because you know when the secret stops. Some people try to trick kids into keeping touching a secret. You want to hear what happens to them and you will support them in all they do.