Preventing Sexual Violence

Sex education can begin at an early age. Using the correct terms for sexual body parts is essential. Words like peepee or buns reflect discomfort in talking about sex. Teaching children the proper vocabulary helps them express themselves clearly and be understood, especially if they ever need to disclose a problematic situation. Sex education should be incorporated into a child’s overall learning and adapted to their age and level of development.

It is important to answer children’s questions about sex. Curiosity about this topic is natural throughout life. Young people want to explore, understand, and learn. From an early age, questions like “Where do babies come from?” or “Why do girls have a vulva and boys have a penis?” are common. When children ask these questions, it is an opportunity to address the topic in an age-appropriate manner. As they grow, their questions become more complex, and the adults around them should continue to be trusted sources of information. Open discussions about sex help create a climate of trust that should be maintained throughout childhood and adolescence.

Assertiveness is essential for the healthy development of children and adolescents. It is the ability to express one’s thoughts, emotions, and needs clearly and respectfully while recognizing and respecting others’ boundaries. From a young age, children should be encouraged to assert themselves, set healthy boundaries, and understand that their opinions and desires are valid. By reinforcing assertiveness, we arm young people with tools to protect themselves, uphold their personal boundaries, and engage in balanced and respectful interactions. This skill is crucial not only for their personal development but also for preventing sexual violence and fostering egalitarian relationships throughout their lives.

Teaching children about egalitarian relationships helps them develop healthy, respectful interpersonal connections and achieve their full potential. In the long term, it is a protective factor against sexual violence. An egalitarian relationship is one in which both individuals feel safe, comfortable, and free to be themselves. Whether it is a friendship, family relationship, romantic or intimate connection, an egalitarian relationship is based on trust, communication, active listening, and respect. As an adult, you already engage in daily actions that convey equality and help break down gender stereotypes. Through conversations with young people, you can also help them recognize how societal stereotypes influence their daily lives, behaviours, and relationships.

From a young age, children are influenced by stereotypes found in books, toys, media, and the adults around them. They tend to imitate these stereotypes to conform to what they see and know. Hypersexualized models for girls and dominant, hyper-masculine models for boys can lead young people to adopt risky behaviours and unhealthy power dynamics in relationships. Moreover, unrealistic beauty standards, such as the expectation for girls to be very thin or boys to be muscular, can impact young people’s self-esteem. Educating children about egalitarian relationships includes challenging and dismantling harmful gender stereotypes.

A trusted adult can make all the difference in preventing sexual violence. It is essential for young people to be able to identify such adults and understand that concerns can safely be shared with them. Adults must also be trained and equipped to fully take on this role by providing a secure environment and ongoing support.