VIDEO: A Video Guide to help address Inappropriate Touching with Children

This is a brief video guide to help parents, guardians, and caretakers start the conversation about inappropriate touching. This media was a collaboration between the Alexandria Police Department and the Center for Alexandria's Children.

• Tell your children that you want to have a discussion about safety and their bodies and, ensure you frame the conversation around safety rather than abuse. 
• Ask your child if anyone has been touching them in an unsafe way or in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. 
• Maintain an open dialogue with your child, and make it clear that they are never to blame for inappropriate touching. 
• Tell your child that it is ok to divulge a secret, even if an adult has made them promise not to do so. 
• If your child tells you that they have been abused, contact the authorities right away,
• Do not contact the abuser or the institution where the abuse took place.