So far this year, more than 18,000 minors under the age of 17 have suffered sexual violence, according to the Aurora program of the Ministry of Women. The situation is further aggravated by revealing that the violence is closer than is believed, since almost half of those sentenced for these crimes were close relatives of the victims, according to the Public Ministry.
“Minors are exposed to sexual violence even in places that should be safe spaces, such as home or school. Therefore, we must teach them how to take care of themselves and identify what behaviors are not appropriate, as well as tell them how they should communicate when they feel afraid or uncomfortable with other people. This knowledge not only empowers them, but also contributes to future generations not engaging in violence.”details Alesia Lund, author of the book What Else Do I Need to Know?, a comprehensive sexual education guide for teenagers.
According to the Public Ministry, nine out of ten minors affected by sexual violence are between 7 and 13 years old, with a predominance of female victims.which represent 93.5% of the cases. As Lund mentions, the places where this violence occurs reflect the critical situation: 33% of the incidents happen in homes where both the aggressor and the victim live together, while 9.4% occur in public spaces such as roads or desolate areas.
In view of this problem that affects minors, the creator of the Comprehensive Sexual Education project “Emma and I” provides recommendations for talking to children and adolescents about cases of violence and how to communicate when we feel in danger.
- Name things by name: Teach them to identify and name all parts of their body, including intimate areas, without using nicknames or euphemisms. This will help them recognize their body, understand that it is theirs, and know when something is not right. Remind them that no one has the right to touch their body without their consent.
- Teach them to recognize dangerous situations: Explain that there are times or behaviors that can be a red flag, such as if someone asks them to keep an uncomfortable secret, makes them feel afraid, or tries to isolate them from other trusted adults. Give them concrete examples of how they might react in these situations and who to turn to.
- Addresses violence as a learned social problem: Explain to them that violence has no justification and that those who exercise it choose to do so. This will help them identify inappropriate behavior and understand that reporting is a brave act that can prevent future harm.
- Prepare them for the digital world: Talk about the risks of the virtual environment, such as cyberbullying or attempts at inappropriate contact. Explain that they should never share personal information or accept messages from strangers, and that they should always tell you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
“Talking about violence with our children is a fundamental step to provide them with the necessary tools to help them identify and communicate dangerous situations. By doing so, we not only protect them, but we teach them to trust their intuition and the adults around them. Protecting our children is our responsibility, and teaching them to communicate what they feel or what worries them is the first step towards a safer future for them.”informs the author.
