PERSONAL SAFETY NO GO TELL HANDOUT

Touches that are

 you feel happy  you feel respected  you feel comfortable

Most people are good, but there are some people who may make you feel uncomfortable.

You have these feelings to help keep you safe.

 tickling you too much  giving hugs that are too tight  giving you a touch that you do not want  asking you to do something that is not safe

Remember, you have the right to say “NO” to anyone who touches you in a way that makes you feel confused, uncomfortable, or hurt.

24 Hour Victim Support Hotline 1-800-675-6900 www.novabucks.org

When to tell about

 a hit  a punch  a kick

Touches

 someone touching the very private parts of your body for no good reason  someone making you touch their very private parts  someone asking you to take off your clothes for no good reason

Some people may try to talk, trick, or force kids into touching that is not safe. They may want them to keep it a secret. It is never safe to keep secrets about touching!

You don’t have to be polite or listen to these tricks:  “This is our little secret.”  “It’s OK for me to touch you.”  “If you tell, I’ll go to jail and it will be your fault.”

2370 York Road  Suite B1 Jamison, PA 18929 (215) 343-6543 TTY (215) 343-6299 FAX: (215) 343-6260 www.novabucks.org  24-Hour Hotline 1-800-675-6900

Dear Parent or Caregiver,

Today, your child’s school and the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) of Bucks County collaborated to present a Personal Safety Program to the students.

This Personal Safety Program is an interactive, awareness education effort that works to reduce the risk of abuse for school-aged children, especially child sexual abuse.

Together, the students and NOVA educators discussed the importance of safety rules, identified safe and unsafe touches, and developed strategies and resistance skills for finding help in unsafe situations. Each classroom viewed an age appropriate video and engaged in role-plays that reinforced the safety rules: NO ● GO ● TELL ● Be Believed.

Please take a few moments to read this material. Ask your child about the NOVA program, and reinforce your family rules about personal safety. If you don't have family rules about this important issue, now would be a good time to establish them.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like guidance in how to talk with your child about personal safety, we would be happy to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Susan Romano Prevention Education and Awareness Coordinator

NOVA Prevention Education Programs: . Preschool—College . Parent Programs

In any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or does not seem safe, you have the right to:

Talk with an adult you trust:

 parent/caregiver  other family member  teacher  school counselor

It is never your fault. Even if you didn’t say no, it is never too late to tell.

NOVA supports, counsels, and empowers victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes, and works to eliminate violence in Bucks County through advocacy, community education, and prevention programs.

1-800-675-6900

24-Hour Hotline www.novabucks.org