RALEIGH COUNTY, WV – Physical and sexual abuse is alarmingly prevalent in West Virginia.
It can be tough for a child to tell a trusted adult they are being abused or something’s happening they are uncomfortable with.
When they do, ensure you don’t overreact because that can make it more frightening for the child. Actively listening, keeping communication lines open, and letting them know you believe them and it’s not their fault is key when it comes to abuse.
According to FMRS Children’s Mobile Crisis Team Supervisor Kymber Nagye, it’s important to start young (age four or five) by teaching your kids the appropriate names of body parts.
“And the difference between good and bad touches. Also the difference between good secrets and bad secrets,” Nagye said. “Focusing on: keeping a secret for grandma’s surprise birthday party — okay. But if someone asks you to keep a secret forever or they’re going to hurt someone if you tell a secret — those are not okay.”
The Mobile Crisis Team Supervisor says to remember to have an open space for teenagers to talk to you and teach your children at a young age to have a boundary for their bodies.
“If they’re uncomfortable with something that someone is doing they can come to you and tell you about it,” said Nagye.
