High-profile news stories about children and teens being sexually abused by trusted teachers, religious leaders, and coaches continue to shock parents, educators, and other caring adults across the US. These sad stories are classic examples of how individuals can misuse their positions of trust and power to abuse and coerce kids and of how adults [...]

Grandparents, teachers, coaches, youth group leaders, health professionals, and other caring adults sometimes ask us, “How can I protect myself from a child getting upset with me and accusing me of abuse?” This is a common worry. In fact, we have led workshops for physical and occupational therapists who often have to touch kids in [...]

The purpose of this teaching story is to help children integrate information about boundaries on touch and prepares them in case they forget like Penny did. It also reminds them that it is never too late to get help.

In a blog posting by Lenore Skenazy, author of the best-selling book Free Range Kids, challenged an article called “Child Predators Love Polite Kids” by Pattie Fitzgerald.  Skenazy cites studies done by David Finkelhor, Ph.D., head of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, indicating a lack of correlation between children being forced to hug and kiss family members and their [...]