DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Child Advocates in Macon County are using this month to educate parents and remind them how important it is to talk to children about these topics.
"We are urging parents and members of the community to be having these conversations at home, educate yourself, ask questions yourself, and make sure that the kids in your life are not getting this information from the internet or an untrustworthy source," said Rebecca Madden, a Prevention Educator for Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center.
Part of Madden's job is going into schools and educating students about safety. But she says parents are in a unique spot to recognize issues before they happen.
"If you're noticing a behavior change in your child or someone else in your life, if you're noticing things that aren't typical for them, this is something that we want to listen to and really interact with to make sure that the people in our life know that something can change when we have that safe space," said Madden.
Growing Strong provides resources for parents who need guidance on talking to their kids.
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Another local organization helping parents is the Child 1st Center.
Jean Dupree is the Director of the Child 1st Center. She says it's crucial to teach kids not to keep secrets from parents and what areas are supposed to be kept private.
"When you teach them the names of body parts like eyes and ears, teach them the names of the private parts," said Dupree. "Let them know about body privacy and boundaries and that only mommy and daddy can touch your private parts."
Dupree also recommends keeping track of your kids technology and social media. She says not to be afraid to look at their texts, social media apps, and other digital content to ensure they are kept safe.
The Growing Strong Center's 24/7 Crisis Hotline is: (217) 428-0770. You can visit the Growing Strong Center's Website here. You can visit the Child 1st Center's Website here.
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