Safety Tips for Middle School Students and Teenagers
Safety Tips for Middle School Students and Teenagers
What is Date Rape?
Date rape, also called acquaintance rape, is rape that occurs between two people who know one another and usually happens in social situations. It can happen between people who are dating as a couple and have had consensual sex in the past. It can happen between two people who are starting to date. It can happen between people who are just friends and it can happen between people who are friends of friends, a.k.a. acquaintances. You do not have to be on a date for a date rape to occur. Just because you have had sex before does not mean that it is automatically going to happen again. Sexual acts must be consented upon each and every time before they occur. No one ever “owes” another person sex. Your body is your own and this allows for you to have ultimate decision making regarding your body.
What qualifies as general trauma?
What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is when someone older than you touches the private parts of your body (that’s the parts your bathing suit covers) or has you touch the private parts of their body. It can also be when someone older tries to get you to take off your clothes or touches you or kisses you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
How do I tell what touching is bad?
Everyone likes to be hugged or touched by someone they care for. But there are some kinds of touching that are not considered good for kids. Some of this kind of touching might feel good. Some of this kind of touching might feel bad or even hurt. If you aren’t sure about a touch, talk to a trusted adult about it.
What kind of kids are sexually abused?
Any kid can be sexually abused. It can happen to boys or girls. It can happen to big kids or little kids--no matter how young or old, weak or strong. It is estimated that 1 in 5 kids is sexually abused.
Who abuses kids?
Most adults care about kids and never sexually abuse them. But some people have serious problems and think it is okay to be sexual with a child. Sometimes a sexual abuser is a stranger, but usually a sexual abuser would be someone you know. It might be your parent, or step-parent, or a teacher, or a neighbor, or a minister or a friend of your parents. It might be someone in your family, or someone that you like a lot.
Why would someone do this?
Someone who sexually abuses a child has a problem, and needs help. People can do bad things--even nice people. It is sometimes hard to believe that someone we love or who is nice to us can sexually abuse us.
Is it my fault if this happens to me?
Never. Some kids blame themselves, but they shouldn’t. Adults sometimes use tricks like telling you that you are bad and that this is why this happened. Also, the attention can sometimes seem nice. Maybe this person gives you really good gifts or money when he or she wants to touch you. Maybe this person is very gentle when he or she wants to touch you. Maybe it is the only time he or she is “nice” to you. But whether it is violent or gentle, it is very, very wrong and it must be stopped. No matter what, if you are being sexually abused, it is never your fault.
How can I stop it?
The best way to stop sexual abuse is to talk about it. Sexual abuse is against the law. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KEEP IT A SECRET! Even if the abuse only happens once, or seems like it’s over, it’s important to tell. The person who abused you will probably try to do this to many other boys and girls. There are many people who can help you and help the abuser, if you tell them what has happened.
Will anyone believe me?
Yes. There are many adults who will believe you and who will help you. Some adults may not want to believe that you could have been abused. Some adults may tell you to forget about it. If this happens to you, find someone else to tell. Keep telling until someone listens.
What will happen to the abuser if I tell?
A person who sexually abuses children needs help. Some abusers can get counseling. If the abuser is someone in your family, you may see less of him or her for awhile. Because sexual abuse is against the law, some abusers might go to jail.
Is there help for abused kids?
SPARCS
SPARCS (Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress) is an evidence-informed group program for adolescents who have a history of chronic exposure to trauma and who may be currently living in a stressful environment. Age ranges for this program are from 13-17 years of age. It is helpful for adolescents who struggle with physical, emotional or behavioral difficulties that disrupt their day-to-day functioning and overall well-being, including difficulties with social interactions and academic performance. SPARCS is designed to help build awareness of the physical, emotional and behavioral effects of and responses to stress. It aids adolescents in developing personal tools to more effectively cope with current and future stressors. This is accomplished by learning how to manage emotions and behavior, improving problem-solving abilities and enhancing communication skills. Finally, SPARCS also focuses on learning how to build supportive relationships with family and peers and on developing a positive self-concept and a sense of purpose in life.
ITCT
ITCT (Integrative Therapy for Complex Trauma) is a skill-based, structured intensive treatment protocol for children and adolescents who have a history of exposure to chronic trauma, which has resulted in serious emotional and behavioral difficulties. ITCT is a very flexible intervention designed to address specific needs through assessment and intervention in multi-modal formats (individual, group, family) and by promoting support and resiliency through the child’s existing social networks. ITCT is an evidence-based practice that addresses both attachment and trauma related symptoms by improving skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, impulse control, stress management, self-esteem and social skills. Exploration of the child’s trauma history is conducted in a developmentally appropriate manner, only proceeding at a pace that is comfortable and safe for the child. Age ranges are from 6-18 years old.
CSBP
CSBP (Children with Sexual and Behavior Problems) is a program for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. CSBP is for children who are exhibiting sexualized behaviors such as; excessive masturbation, touching other kid’s private parts, engaging in any type of sex acts with other kids, “peeping,” exposing themselves in public, etc. This program also provides the caregiver with a counseling group that will provide support, and techniques for how to handle situations that may occur with their child. This program is effective only if the caregiver agrees to participate in the group meetings.
FLARES
FLARES (Families Learning About REcovery Strategies) is an evidence-based practice that helps youth and their families cope with the effects of trauma through psychoeducation about trauma and its effects, skill development for adolescents and caregivers and support from peers who have had similar trauma.
To schedule an appointment please call (314) 516-6798