Every Body Talk

Book excerpt: This book includes language and lessons about protective factors for children to learn early to support sexual violence prevention. This book serves as a tool for caregivers and children to learn, question and discuss situations that may arise regarding boundaries and healthy ways to learn important skills in life. Research indicates that knowing the accurate terminology of private parts may make children less vulnerable to sexual abuse. It may help in a doctor's office when sharing medical issues. It may also help solve a crime and even prevent future abuse. Children who are a part of marginalized identity groups such as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+ and children with disabilities, have higher rates of sexual violence and are even less likely to report their abuse. As adults, we must change the way we talk about body parts with even our youngest kids. And that is where this book comes in. This is as much for parents, guardians, and teachers as it is for children; it is here to help normalize all body parts, to open the conversation about respecting our bodies, and help tell children what to do if they are uncomfortable. We hope you enjoy this book from your head to your toes, and encourage the conversations that may come up with your little ones.