There is a certain innocence with children, which helps them to understand things in a different way. Even when they are being sexually abused or harassed, they don’t understand what is happening. Sometimes, it comes as a play for them and sometimes as a scolding. But, they don’t realise or even understand what is actually happening with them.
For parents, it becomes very difficult to actually know that it has happened, and even when it has happened they don’t usually believe it has happened. Mostly, it is done by their close relatives, siblings or servants working inside the house. Hence, the first step for the parents becomes to accept that it can happen or, if the child is telling them then it has happened. Moreover, it is not the child’s fault that it has happened. Also, it is important for the parents to actually talk with them and educate them.
Thus, below are few ways you can initiate a conversation with your child about sexual harassment and assault:
A Separate Time:
Initiating a conversation around this topic is heavy. It is taxing for you as a parent and for them as a child. Hence, it is important for you to actually find separate time to talk about and around this topic. It is important that you need to find a time when there aren’t any stressors around, and there is very less of distraction. Thus, helping you to properly converse and listen.
Use understandable Terms:
Many parents are afraid to talk about it because they think it will corrupt their mind. But, the truth is, due to advancement in technology, the words are easily accessible. Also, when talking to them, it is important that you reach out to them. You, as a parent, can do that by using terms and words that are easily understood by a child. You can term sexual harassment as “bullying”. Also, you can provide them with sex education, where they should know and understand what their private part is and what restrictions mean.
Take references from Movies:
Movies and pop culture give an opening for a conversation. With easily accessible media, you can educate your child about sexual harassment, assault and sex education. For example, if someone in the movie uses a cuss word, which is demeaning, you can ask them if they know what it means. Using pop culture and movie references will help them understand this topic much easier and help them to open up about it.
Listen:
It is very important to listen to them and understand them. During the conversation, they might open up to their own experiences, in that situation, instead of asking questions to them or criticizing them “just being there for them” is all the help they need. Most of the times, they do want to speak to you about their experience, but they stop themselves from sharing fearing your judgement. Hence, it is important for you to listen to them.
Be open for future Conversations:
Having this conversation once with your child doesn’t actually help. You should talk to them about it at different ages. Having the conversation once with them and leaving it on them doesn’t actually help them. But, it is also important that they should know you are always ready to listen to them. As they grow, the experience for them changes, hence it is important for you to have a conversation with them time to time.
Childhood sexual abuse, assault and harassment are very common, but most of them are afraid to speak up. It is important for the parent to make them understand that No Means No! These conversations should happen with both, boy and girl. It is important that they should be educated, and if they are abused they could easily talk to you, their biggest support.
Also, if your child complains about someone sexually harassing them, then it is important for you to report to proper authorities.
If you or someone you know have experienced a similar situation and is suffering from different mental health issues because of it. Then, it is best to talk to a mental health professional immediately.
