Prevention Education
At the St. Clair County Child Abuse and Neglect Council, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools to prevent child abuse before it starts. Prevention begins with knowledge—knowing how to recognize the signs, understanding the realities of abuse, and building the confidence to take action when needed.
We invite you to explore the resources below, which offer critical information about preventing child sexual abuse and supporting the healing journey of survivors. Whether you are a parent, educator, coach, neighbor, or simply someone who cares, you play a vital role in protecting children and promoting their well-being.
Together, through education and action, we can prevent abuse, help survivors heal, and create a community where every child feels safe, respected, and loved.
Education is Key
to Preventing Sexual Abuse
Stopping child sexual abuse starts with understanding the warning signs, breaking the silence, and taking action. This video provides practical steps for adults to recognize potential risks, intervene early, and create safer spaces for children. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to make a difference.
The Facts About Child Sexual Abuse, Trauma, and Recovery
Child sexual abuse can have deep and lasting impacts—but with the right support, healing is possible. This video explains the realities of child sexual abuse, the effects of trauma on young survivors, and how compassionate responses promote recovery. Understanding the journey of healing helps us better support children and families in our community.
The Facts About Child Sexual Abuse, Trauma, and Recovery
Child sexual abuse can have deep and lasting impacts—but with the right support, healing is possible. This video explains the realities of child sexual abuse, the effects of trauma on young survivors, and how compassionate responses promote recovery. Understanding the journey of healing helps us better support children and families in our community.
Good Touch
Good touch from people we love and respect are necessary for positive growth and development – good touch can make life meaningful.
- Good touch includes: Hugging, kissing, handshaking, patting, and embracing.
Bad Touch
Family members should problem-solve with words, not physical force. Adults should negotiate family disputes without bad touch and support non-violent conflict resolution.
- Bad touch includes: Hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, pushing, pinching, and scratching.
Confusing Touch
Personal touch is an important and integral part of all human relationships. Recognizing confusing touch and clarifying whether it’s ok or not is helpful to children. Adults and family members should respect a child’s boundaries, help them feel comfortable about who they will hug and kiss and help them express uncomfortable feelings, when appropriate.
- Confusing touch includes: Tickling that progresses from fun to uncomfortable, a hug that begins as pleasant and becomes uncomfortable and tense, or a handshake that starts out ok but becomes too tight and not friendly.
Forced Sexual Touch
Forced sexual touch is child sexual abuse and is against the law. Adults and family members should empower children through education and practice role-playing about body boundaries, stranger danger, and risky situations.
Forced sexual touch occurs when someone:
- Touches a child’s private parts (parts of the body covered by a bathing suit) or asks the child to touch them in private places with a harmful purpose in mind.
- Uses tricks, manipulation, pressure, authority or physical force to obtain sexual contact with a child.
In the event of force sexual touch children should:
- Say “No” assertively
- Runaway immediately
- Tell someone they trust
Contact Us
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