Lesson 4: Sexual Abuse

Lesson 4 presents an age-appropriate, non-graphic discussion of grooming and sexual abuse. Students learn strategies to identify possible grooming. They are led through a demonstration about private parts, followed by a set of safety rules that emphasize their bodily autonomy. The purpose of these discussions is to ensure that every student knows that they have a right to set and defend their sexual boundaries, how to get help if they or someone they know experience grooming or sexual abuse, and that they are never at fault if someone crosses their sexual boundaries. While the topic of child sexual abuse may be difficult for some students and adults to address, having direct discussions with elementary students about this topic provides effective protection against sexual abuse and promotes better mental health outcomes among children who do experience sexual victimization at any point in their lives (Finkelhor & Dziuba-Leatherman, 1995).