Talking about sexual violence and rape
This is a difficult topic to talk about. As parents we can help our children to think about their own safety, but also to recognise what sexual violence and rape is. With this understanding they will be able to find help, or support friends.
What are we talking about?
It helps to be clear with our teenage children about what sexual violence or rape is. The suggestions here might be something to come back to over different chats, or to use when your child shares something with you that you want them to understand is sexual violence/rape.
Rape is a type of sexual assault. It involves sexual intercourse or sexual penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth without someone’s consent. Girls and women and boys and men can be raped. If a person is raped, they are never to blame.
It is important for someone who has experienced any kind of sexual assault to get medical help and emotional support. A person can get help and support immediately, but it doesn’t matter how long they wait, there is still help and support available for when they are ready.
Rape is only one kind of sexual assault; other things can happen too that are also sexual violence. Help and support are really important for people if they experience any sexual assault or violence. If you ever have any worries about this, or if you know someone who does, we can talk about how to help.
You can always remind your child of something we talk about in lots of places here on the Chat: If you ever get that feeling in your body that tells you something isn’t right, maybe you feel a bit worried, then tell me.
You can read and share this information with your teenage child: Rape and sexual assault | Childline
Finding support
This NHS service can help to arrange care for someone in the days following a rape or sexual assault: Turn to SARCS | NHS inform
If your child shares a personal experience, or that of a friend, you can seek help and support from a trusted professional, from the police or you can call ParentLine for free: 08000 28 22 23 or go here for a link to the webchat and email facility: How Children 1st Parentline Can Support You | Children 1st
You or your child can call Rape Crisis Helpline Rape Crisis Scotland | Working to end sexual violence
There are other parts of the Chat you might want to look at. Talking About Sexual Harassment; Talking About Equality and Rights for Women and Girls; Talking About Social Media/Digital Lives.