Se ual Assault - National Sexual Violence Resource Center

1 Se ual Assault Awareness Month 2013. IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT! CONNECT. RESPECT. PREVENT Sexual Violence . It's time .. to talk about it! Talk early, talk often. Prevent Sexual Violence . An overview of healthy childhood Sexual development U. nderstanding healthy childhood Sexual development plays a key role in child Sexual abuse prevention. Many adults are never taught what to expect as children develop sexually, which can make it hard to tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy behaviors. When adults understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy behaviors, they are Sexuality is emotional, social, better able to support healthy attitudes and behaviors and react to teachable moments.

2 Cultural, and physical. Sexual Rather than interpret a child's actions with an development is one part of adult perspective of sex and sexuality, adults sexuality, and it begins much can promote healthy development when they earlier in life than puberty. understand what behaviors are developmentally expected at different stages of childhood . They are also better equipped to intervene when there are here. The child is learning that there are are concerns related to behavior or abuse. times when it is OK to be naked and times when it is not. Understanding childhood Sexual development Children are constantly learning social norms and what is expected or appropriate Sexuality is much more than sex it's our in interactions and relationships.

3 There are values, attitudes, feelings, interactions and healthy and common expressions of sexuality behaviors. Sexuality is emotional, social, cultural, that children are likely to show at different and physical. Sexual development is one part developmental stages. Often adults want to know of sexuality, and it begins much earlier in life which behaviors are appropriate and indicate than puberty. Infants and children may not think healthy childhood Sexual development . The about sexuality in same way as adults, but they information below addresses common behaviors learn and interpret messages related to sexuality that represent healthy childhood Sexual that will shape their future actions and attitudes.

4 development as well as what knowledge and For example, when a three year old removes skills are appropriate for children at each stage their clothes in front of others, a parent may ( National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2009;. tell him or her that being naked is okay at bath The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists time, or in your room, but not while your cousins of Canada, 2012). 123 North Enola Drive, Enola, PA 17025 P: 877-739-3895 Se ual Assault Awareness Month 2013. IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT! CONNECT. RESPECT. PREVENT Sexual Violence . It's time .. to talk about it!

5 Talk early, talk often. Prevent Sexual Violence . Healthy childhood Sexual development Stage of Common behaviors Encouraging healthy development development yy Curiosity about their body, yy Teach correct names of body including genitals parts, such as penis and vagina yy Touching their genitals, including yy Explain basic information about masturbation, in public and in private the differences between male and female anatomy Infancy yy No inhibitions around nudity (Ages 0-2) yy Help children begin to understand how to interact respectfully with peers of the same age yy Provide very simple answers to questions about the body and bodily functions yy Occasional masturbation.

6 This yy Provide basic information about usually occurs as a soothing behavior reproduction ( , babies grow in the rather than for Sexual pleasure. It uterus of a woman). may occur publicly or privately. yy Encourage a basic understanding yy Consensual and playful exploration of privacy and when things are with children of the same age. This appropriate and inappropriate could include playing house or yy Explain the difference between playing doctor.. wanted and unwanted touch. For yy May ask questions about sexuality example, a hug that is welcome or reproduction, such as, Where do and positive versus one that is Early childhood babies come from?

7 Unwelcome and uncomfortable. (Ages 2-5). yy May show curiosity in regard to yy Teach children about boundaries. adult bodies ( , wanting to go to Let children know that their body into the bathroom with parents, belongs to them and that they can touching women's breasts, etc.) say no to unwanted touch. yy Continued lack of inhibition around nudity. May take-off their diaper or clothes off yy Uses slang terms for body parts and bodily functions 2. Se ual Assault Awareness Month 2013. IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT! CONNECT. RESPECT. PREVENT Sexual Violence . It's time .. to talk about it!

8 Talk early, talk often. Prevent Sexual Violence . Healthy childhood Sexual development Stage of Common behaviors Encouraging healthy development development yy Continued use of slang words, yy Promote a solid understanding of potty humor or jokes to describe gender and how children experience body parts and functions their gender identity. Children who identify as transgender or gender yy Deeper understanding of gender non-conforming will experience this roles. May act in a more gendered also, but can face confusion and may manner as expected behaviors and need increased support from adults.

9 Norms associated with gender are learned ( , girls may want to wear yy Explain the basics of human dresses). reproduction, including the role of vaginal intercourse. yy Sex play or activities that explore sexuality and bodies may occur with yy Talk about the physical changes Middle childhood same- and opposite-sex friends that will occur during puberty. (Ages 5-8). yy Masturbation. Some children may yy Explain that there are different touch their genitals for the purpose Sexual orientations such as of pleasure. This happens more often heterosexual, homosexual, and privately rather than in public.

10 Bisexual. yy Teach that masturbation is something that occurs in private. yy Educate on personal rights ( , your body belongs to you ) and responsibilities ( , treat boys and girls equally) related to sexuality. 3. Se ual Assault Awareness Month 2013. IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT! CONNECT. RESPECT. PREVENT Sexual Violence . It's time .. to talk about it! Talk early, talk often. Prevent Sexual Violence . Healthy childhood Sexual development Stage of Common behaviors Encouraging healthy development development yy As puberty begins an increased yy Provide ongoing information need for privacy and independence about the physical aspects of is often expressed.