SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN

1. Before I go anywhere, I always check first with my parents or the person in charge. I tell them where I am going, how I will get there, who will be going with me, and when I will be back.
2. I check first for permission from my parents before getting into a car or leaving with anyone - even someone I know. I check first before changing plans or accepting money, gifts, or drugs without my parents' knowledge.
3. It is safer for me to be with other people when going places or playing outside. I always use the buddy system.
4. I say NO if someone tries to touch me in ways that make me feel frightened, uncomfortable, or confused. Then I go and tell grown-ups I trust what happened.
5. I know it is not my fault if someone touches me in a way that is not okay. I don't have to keep secrets about those touches.
6. I trust my feelings and talk to grown-ups about problems that are too big for me to handle on my own. A lot of people care about me and will listen and believe me. I am not so alone.
7. It is never too late to ask for help. I can keep asking until I get the help I need.
8. I am a special person, and I deserve to feel safe.

SAFETY TIPS FOR TEENS

1. Be respectful of who I am
2. Feel safe
3. Control what happens to my body
4. Set limits and have privacy
5. Make mistakes
6. Voice opinions and feelings
7. Not be harassed
8. Ask for a date
9. Refuse a date

1. Give Help: If you have a friend in need of help, take time to learn about resources in your community. Find out what legal, medical, or counseling options are available.
2. Make a Safety Plan: If you have a friend who has suffered or is suffering from abuse, help her/him make a plan so that s/he has a safe place to go.
3. Protect Your Friend: Even if your friend doesn't want anyone else to know, telling an adult who can help stop the abuse is a priority.
4. Believe the Story: Listen to your friend and believe her/him. Acknowledge her/his feelings and let her/him know that s/he is not alone. Tell your friend that regardless of her/his behavior, the abuse was NOT deserved.

1. Participate in your child's activities and get to know your child's friends.
2. Teach children the differences between "good touches," "bad touches" and "confusing touches."
3. Be aware of changes in a child's behavior or atttitude, and inquire.
4. Listen when a child tells you he or she does not want to be with someone; find out why.
5. Be alert for any talk that reveals premature sexual understanding or knowledge.
6. Teach children what to do if they become separated from their parents while away from home.
7. Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in your child.
8. Make certain your child's school or day care center will release him/her to only you or someone you officially designate.
9. Teach your child the correct names of all their body parts.
10. Never discipline children when your anger is out of control.

1. Remain calm. A child may retract information or stop talking if he/she senses a strong reaction.
2. Believe the child. Children rarely make up stories about abuse.
3. Listen without passing judgment. Most children know their abusers and often have confused feelings.
4. Tell the child you are glad that he/she told someone.
5. Assure the child that abuse is not his/her fault.
6. Do what you can to make certain that the child is safe from further abuse.
7. Do not investigate yourself. Call police or local child protective services.