A family safety plan can give children confidence.
In Utah, one in seven children is sexually abused, a rate higher than the national average. However, there is hope. A family safety plan can reduce the risk of child sexual abuse and empower both children and adults to recognize and respond to potential dangers.
Emily Bell McCormick is the founder of The Policy Project – a non-profit organization that advocates for equitable policies for children, families, and communities. She was instrumental in passing recent legislation that provides funds for sexual abuse education in public schools.
“We are so excited because now every K through six school in the state of Utah has an opportunity to have this education in the classroom.” This is a significant step forward, but Emily believes that the best classroom is home.
Create Awareness
Emily said a family safety plan is a set of guidelines that parents commit to discussing with their children. It helps children understand potential dangers and how to navigate them.
“The first step to creating a family safety plan is having that awareness,” Emily said. Awareness is key. Children need to understand the issue at hand. An incredible non-profit, saprea.org, is a good resource to help parents get started,
Establishing Healthy Boundaries
The next step is to establish healthy boundaries. Teaching children about appropriate behavior with their own and others’ bodies is crucial.
Emily said it requires transparency. Being open and clear about what is appropriate and what is not can help children understand and respect boundaries.
Open Dialogue and Emotional Well-being
Emily explained that confident kids are less likely to be abused. They typically stand up for themselves and believe they deserve better.
“Small sentences can mean so much,” Emily emphasized. Simple affirmations like “You’re so amazing” or “You’re so valued” can boost a child’s confidence and make them feel seen and valued.
The fight against child sexual abuse is a collective effort. Organizations like the Policy Project are making strides in this area, but the responsibility also lies with parents and caregivers. By implementing family safety plans, maintaining open dialogue, and promoting emotional well-being, we can create safer environments for our children.
To learn more about the Policy Project and how you can participate, visit thepolicyproject.org. They believe every effort counts in this important cause.
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