It is hard to think about sexual assault happening in the Concho Valley. Today many people are talking about and sharing a local news story that will likely make an impact on our young people and those who are caring for them. Parents and teachers, especially, should always be prepared to talk openly and honestly about sexual abuse. We here at Open Arms feel that is important to empower our community to have the skills to support victims and reduce the impact that the crime of sexual violence has on all of us as community members.

Having direct and honest conversations with young people about sexual assault may feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary to have these conversations. Reminding our young people they are loved and their bodies should always be respected is the goal of the conversation.
Here are some tips for talking to young people about sexual violence:

1. Talk Early, Talk Often
It is important for adults to talk with young people about safety from a young age. It is never too early to introduce young people to age-appropriate messages about their bodies. Young people should know the correct terms for body parts and how to set and respect boundaries. But the conversation does not stop with these early ideas. Teens need to continue to have conversations with adults and often need to be reminded that they have people in their support system that are willing to talk and listen to them about their concerns.

2. Language Matters
Young people are listening to us and how we talk about sexual assault. They form an opinion about what they can tell us based on what they hear from our conversations. It is vital that we refrain from making victim blaming statements. These statements are counterproductive to the community as a whole, and they also inadvertently teach young people how you will react if something were to happen to them. This creates a roadblock for open communication between young people and adults. No action justifies another person’s choice to sexually assault someone.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions
When bringing up this topic with young people, remember they are just as nervous about this conversation as you might be, if not more nervous. If you begin the conversation with questions that only allow for a “yes” or “no” answer that is exactly the response you will get. Try to keep the lines of communication open and let young people tell you what they are thinking and feeling.

4. Discuss Media
Media portrayal of sexual assault can both help and hinder this important conversation. Ask young people what they are seeing and hearing in the media. Allowing them to tell you their experience shows that you value their opinion and will allow you to clarify any misunderstanding about sexual violence.

5. Help them Help Others
Despite the overwhelming statistics about sexual assault, most young people will not be victims of sexual violence but they could already know someone who has been a victim. Model and teach them to be kind and empathetic to those around them. Teach them how to respond if someone should tell them about abuse and encourage them to help their friend get the help they need. Sexual violence is never a secret that a young person should have to keep.