In recent years, there has a been a great deal of discussion in the media surrounding sexual abuse and assault, which highlights the prevalence of the issue.
As adults, we are in a position to help prevent abuse from happening to our kids, and to empower them to disclose if it does. One of the most important prevention tools, in my opinion, is to teach them body autonomy. This concept is one that adults do a particularly poor job of teaching — in fact, adults often force children into situations in which their body is treated as the property of others.
My first instinct when visiting with family is to tell my children to give these people a hug. When I do this, I fail to recognize that this person is virtually a stranger to them. Although I have a longstanding history with these people, my girls do not. They often do not remember them from year to year. How uncomfortable that must be for them. What does this teach kids? This tells them that their body is not under their control and that they must yield it to an adult if told to do so.
Wow — that is a heavy realization. Yet, not only do we do this with adults, we also do this with other children. Our kids fight with one another and we tell them to apologize and give hugs. Why do we think either one of these children want to hug? We also make excuses for interpersonal violence. So, what should we be teaching our children instead? Here are some quick tips on introducing your kids to the concept of body autonomy. For more on Dr. The lifetime prevalence of child sexual abuse and sexual assault assessed in late adolescence.
Journal of Adolescent Health, 55 3 , Find a Doctor. About Us. Community Programs. California Kids Care. International Services. Video Visits: Telemedicine. Locations Main Campus. Comprehensive sexuality education is a critical enabler and protector of bodily autonomy. UNFPA also committed to increase reproductive rights literacy to empower women and girls to make autonomous decisions about their bodies, and to increase support to feminist and women-led organizations working to promote and protect sexual and reproductive health and rights and bodily autonomy.
She, and many other young feminist, have calling for real change. Freedom from criminalization based on HIV status. Living in communities safe from environmental hazards. Respect and protection for indigenous rights, land, and culture. This includes: Earning a living wage and receiving equal pay, without discrimination or coercion. The ability to take time off from work without fear of retaliation or losing our jobs, including paid sick leave, family leave, and disability leave.
The right to organize in our workplaces to leverage better wages, benefits and working conditions, including forming or joining a union. Those of us who engage in sex work, which is a form of labor, should be able to do so safely and without criminalization , with access to the support and resources we need to stay healthy, and without fear of violence , stigma, or harassment. The ability to work without losing benefits, like health care coverage and supplemental income, that may be needed to maintain a decent quality of life.
Freedom to migrate and move within and across borders. This includes: The right to seek refuge and asylum from conditions that are physically, economically, or otherwise insecure or unsafe. Staying together as a family without fear of losing a parent, child, or loved one to deportation. T he right to return to our country of origin if we choose. The right to move around freely, without fear of profiling, detention, or harassment based on perceived immigration status.
The ability to enjoy the same legal rights and protections as other members of society, without regard to immigration status or previous contact with the criminal justice system.
The ability to access education, employment, healthcare and other opportunities in our country of residence, regardless of legal status. The right to accessible, culturally and linguistically relevant public services and benefits without discrimination or government reprisal. Freedom to express our gender and sexual orientation in a way that affirms who we are. This includes: The ability for our bodies to exist in public in a way that is comfortable for us, without being subject to homophobic or transphobic harassment, threats, or violence.
Recognition of our gender identity by the state and all social, political, economic, and community institutions with which we interact. Health care responsive to people of all genders, and the employment opportunities , public benefits, and services necessary to thrive with dignity.
Support, respect and protection for the relationships and families we form. Freedom to choose whether or not, when, and how to form families and raise children.
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