Regional Child Protection Center
1215 Pleasant Street, Suite 303
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.241.4311
If you suspect a child is being physically or sexually abused or neglected, call the Department of Human Services - Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.362.2178.
Teaching Points
Below are key teaching points to most effectively communicate with your child about their safety concerning sexual abuse:
- The correct anatomical names for the private parts of our body.
- The difference between good touches, bad touches and mixed-up touches.
- A child has the right to say NO to ANYONE who wants to either inappropriately touch or be touched by the child.
- A child should try to get away from any situation in which he or she feels unsafe or uncomfortable.
- The difference between good secrets and bad secrets and that it is important to tell a bad secret to a trusted adult.
- Children are encouraged to identify several adults they trust and could talk to if something was bothering them.