NCJ Number
99965
Date Published
1985
Length
81 pages
Annotation
Seven fictional stories teach children about typical forms of child abuse as well as how to protect themselves from such abuse.
Abstract
The sexual abuse portrayed involves both boy and girl victims and perpetrators who are parents, relatives, teachers, babysitters, and strangers to the victims. The book is intended for children to read alone or with their parents. A major theme of the book is that children have charge of their own bodies, and they have a right to say 'No' to adults who attempt abusive sexual contact or exposure. Children are encouraged to reveal incidents of actual or attempted sexual abuse to trusted adults. Children are also advised that sexual abuse is against the law and that they should not keep it a secret. Children are instructed not to open the door to strangers and to have secret passwords, known only to the child and the parents, that must be used by strangers claiming to have parental authority to take custody of the child. Instructions about where and how to receive help in cases of abuse are also provided. 14 suggested readings and a subject index.