Trauma by Non-Strangers

Due to the recent current events regarding the kidnapping of a teen girl by a family friend, I wanted to comment about the importance of parents talking to their kids about relatives and family friends. Parents these days are great in talking about potential harm by strangers, but statistically most kidnappings and sexual assaults occur by relatives or family friends. Kids should be taught about red flags, boundaries, personal space, and their body is their own. This also means kids should not be pressured to giving relatives or family friends a “hug.” It sends the wrong message and it is a valuable lesson for them to know that giving a “hug” is a choice.  Kids should feel comfortable going to a trusted adult and share if somebody they know makes them feel uncomfortable. Kids are very intuitive and when they go to a trusted adult, they should be listened to. -Dr. P