Workbook: Together For Their Safety
A practical guide for parents and caregivers to prevent child sexual abuse.
Introduction
It is a movement that transforms silence into a voice.
#ISayNoMore is a movement that fights to make visible sexual abuse by providing tools to prevent it, support victims, and break the cycle of violence. It was born from María Trusa’s story, she was a victim of sexual abuse at the age of 9.
For years, she remained silent, but over time she found the strength to speak up, write a book, and create this movement that now gives voice to thousands of survivors.
Our Mission
At #ISayNoMore, we work to prevent sexual abuse, especially among children and vulnerable communities such as the latino migrant population, who often lack legal or emotional support to report an abuse. Our mission is to educate, raise awareness, and empower survivors, so they can say "no more" and begin their path to healing.
Our Vision
We want to be a global platform where millions of people find the strength to raise their voices, heal their wounds, and permanently break the chains of sexual abuse.
Why do we say no more?
Because we are facing what we call a silent pandemic. Sexual abuse affects millions of people around the world, and many of them never receive support, justice, or a space to heal. The statistics are alarming:
1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced sexual abuse.
In latin America, 7% of men were abused between the ages of 4 and 9.
1 in 5 minors has been a victim of sexual abuse.
Less than 40% of victims seek help and 30% never tell anyone.
Sources: UN Women, WHO, CLACAI, CDC
These numbers show a painful reality, but also the importance of acting. If we do not intervene, the cycle repeats itself: someone who has been abused and does not receive support is more likely to become an aggressor.
A Step-by Step Guide
This guide helps families to:
Understand what sexual abuse is.
Learn to identify warning signs at every stage of development.
Strengthen prevention efforts at home.
Know how to act in the face of suspicion or a real situation.
Support the healing process if an abuse has occurred.
Open Your eyes
Understanding the Problem
What is Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)?
Child sexual abuse (CSA) occurs when an older person, either a teenager or an adult, involves a child in any kind of sexual activity for their own gratification or power, regardless of whether there is physical contact or not.
A child cannot consent to any sexual activity. Therefore, any sexual act involving a minor, even if there is no physical violence or the child “does not resist”, is abuse.
There are three essential indicators of child sexual abuse:
When there’s a significant age difference (more than 5 years), authority roles, emotional dependence, manipulation, among others.
When the abuser has greater knowledge about sexual acts than the victim.
When the abuser seeks their own sexual gratification without considering the other person’s will or needs.
Types of Child Sexual Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, some are more visible than others, but all are harmful:
Direct physical contact:
Touching or showing affection with sexual intention
Penetration or attempted penetration
Forced kissing on the mouth and/or intimate areas
Without physical contact:
Exposing the child to pornographic material (videos or photos)
Showing one’s genitals to a child (exhibitionism)
Masturbating in front of a child
Taking sexual photos or videos of the child
Emotional manipulation or grooming:
Gaining the child’s trust to abuse them later
Sending sexually suggestive messages
Giving gifts or favors to create emotional dependency or silence
Is Child Sexual Abuse common?
The statistics show that child sexual abuse is far more common than we think and even worse: many cases are never reported.
In the United States:
1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys will experience sexual abuse before turning 18.
(Source: CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
The majority of cases happen at home or involve someone close to the family. Over 90% of abusers are known to the victim.
Only 1 in 10 cases is reported: Fear, guilt, and manipulation often silence the victims.
(Source: Darkness to Light)
In New York:
Each year, thousands of cases of child sexual abuse are reported. In 2023, over 7,000 cases were investigated in New York State alone.
(Source: NY State Office of Children and Family Services)
Westchester County has seen serious and high-profile child sexual abuse cases, proving the issue exists in our own communities.
76.8% of abusers are adults.
The most common age at which girls are at risk of being sex trafficked is between 12–14 years old. For boys, the most vulnerable age is between 11–13 years old.
Why Talk About This?
Because silence allows abuse to continue.
Understanding what abuse is, how it presents itself, and how common it is, is the first step toward preventing it and protecting our children.
In the following chapters, you’ll learn to identify warning signs, strengthen your bond with your children, and take confident action if you ever suspect abuse.
Characteristics of the Abuser
95% of abusers are men.
Abuse committed by women is less clear, for example, mothers who are involved but do not participate in the sexual act.
44% of abusers are minors.
30% of abusers are family members of the victim.
60% are teachers, neighbors, or community leaders.
90% of victims know their abuser.
70% of victims are abused by other minors.
Risk Factors
Related to the Child
Age: The most common age range for child sexual abuse is between 8 and 12 years old.
Having a physical or cognitive disability increases the risk of sexual abuse.
Abuse of male victims is reported less often due to social stigma.
Low supervision or poor communication at home. Lack of sexual education.
Family problems, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect.
Family history of abuse
Related to the Abuse
These are factors that influence the severity of trauma in children and adolescents:
Type of abuse: Penetration, touching, exhibitionism, exposure, etc
Frequency and duration: How long the abuse lasted and how often it occurred
Relationship with the abuser: Family member, friend, stranger, etc
Number of abusers: If multiple people were involved in the abuse
Use of force: If physical force was used to coerce the child
Sex and age of the abuser
Activity:
Let’s Identify Situations that Scream “Danger”
Who could be a potential abuser?
An adult who often gives gifts to a child.
A teacher who constantly contacts parents to report on their child.
A teenager who insists on playing “doctor” with their younger cousin.
A classmate that the child always plays with.
A neighbor who constantly asks to be alone with a 6-year-old girl.
A babysitter who teaches children about personal hygiene (like washing hands, brushing teeth, looking both ways before crossing the street, etc.).
An uncle who sleeps in the same bed with his 8-year-old niece when she stays over.
A grandfather who takes his granddaughter to the park in the afternoons.
Which child might be at risk
An 8-year-old boy who plays online with strangers and his parents don’t know.
A 10-year-old girl who sees her mother as her best friend.
A teenager who uses alcohol or drugs.
A 12-year-old girl who says “no” openly and speaks up when something makes her uncomfortable.
A 5-year-old girl who doesn’t know she has private parts.
A teenager who clearly understands what consent is and knows their personal boundaries.
A 7-year-old boy with a disability who spends time alone at home. of experiencing child sexual abuse?
Recognize and Protect
Protective Factors
for Children and Teenagers
As parents, we can do a lot to care for our children at home. Here are some key points:
Sex education from an early age:
Talk to your children about their bodies: what’s appropriate and what’s not. Teach them to recognize situations that make them uncomfortable or unsafe, to set boundaries, and above all, to ask for help when something feels wrong. They should know they can come to you or a trusted adult at any time.
Close and trusting relationships with your children:
Honest communication, affection, supervision, and clear boundaries are essential. If your child knows they can talk to you without fear, they will have more tools to protect themselves and seek support.
Teach them to set boundaries:
Talk to your children about their bodies: what’s appropriate and what’s not. Teach them to recognize situations that make them uncomfortable or unsafe, to set boundaries, and above all, to ask for help when something feels wrong. They should know they can come to you or a trusted adult at any time.
Identify social norms that may be uncomfortable for children:
Things like greeting with a kiss or hug may feel normal for the parents, but sometimes children aren’t ready or comfortable with physical affection. Respecting their “no” teaches them they have the right to control their bodies. Offer respectful alternatives like a wave or verbal greeting that can help them in several social situations without making them feel vulnerable.
Talk about secrets:
Help them distinguish between “good” secrets (like a surprise party) and “bad” ones (that make them feel scared, ashamed, or uncomfortable). Teach them that they can always tell you if a secret bothers them.
What to do in case of abuse:
Explain that they can physically resist, walk away, and say “no” firmly if someone makes them feel uncomfortable. Remind them it’s never their fault, the responsibility lies solely with the abuser.
Activity:
What’s My Family Missing?
Think about the protective factors your family already has, and the ones that could still be strengthened.
Choose two factors you believe your family is missing to reinforce safety at home and write them in the top puzzle pieces.
Support Care Safety
Family
Why is Child Sexual Abuse Hard to Detect?
All children and teenagers feel shame, guilt, and fear about what happened, so they often choose not to tell anyone and try to hide it. That’s why it’s important to be alert to changes in the behavior that could indicate possible sexual abuse.
The most common indicator of child sexual abuse is sexualized behavior, although it’s important to note that this does not always mean that an abuse has occurred.
What is Sexualized Behavior?
In general, children exhibit a range of normal sexual behaviors, such as:
Exploring their own bodies from the first weeks of life
Frequently touching their genital area or rubbing their bodies against furniture, toys, or other objects
Curiosity and questions about bodies and gender differences, questions like where babies come from, how they are born, how they are made, difference between men and women, etc.
Preschool children comparing and touching each other’s bodies
Role-playing games involving exposure, such as playing doctor
What’s concerning is when the behaviors become obsessive, aggressive, or very explicit for the child’s age. It’s unusual for children under 12 to display more intrusive behaviors (like simulating penetration or using adult language).
How to Start the Conversation About
Child Sexual Abuse with Your Children
Talking about these topics doesn’t harm children, it protects them. What’s important is that the conversations are frequent, natural, and age appropriate. What strengthens a child or teen the most is knowing they have adults who are present, who listen, believe them, and support them.
It’s normal to feel uncomfortable discussing this subject with your children, whether because you’re unsure of the answers to their questions or afraid of confusing or scaring them.
You can approach the topic like any other personal safety lesson, just as you teach them to look both ways before crossing the street or to wash their hands before meals. Child sexual abuse is not a one-time conversation, but rather an ongoing process throughout childhood, discussed repeatedly and in different ways. Keep the information clear and simple, using language suitable for their age.
It’s recommended to bring up the topic in comfortable settings, such as playing, having dinner, or during other everyday family moments.
Children Aged 0–6 Symptoms
Frequent physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches, pain in genital area)
Difficulty walking or sitting
Redness, bleeding, or bruises in private parts
Regressions: thumb-sucking, bedwetting, baby talk.
Developmental delays: lower weight/height due to hormonal imbalance
Intense fears, anxiety, fear of physical contact
Avoidance of certain people or places
Irritability or inconsolable crying
Sleep changes such as nightmares or insomnia
Changes in their eating habits
Sexualized behavior: inappropriate sexual behavior for their age
These symptoms alone do not necessarily indicate sexual abuse. If several symptoms appear, it may raise suspicion. In that case, report it to the authorities so a proper investigation can be carried out. Never investigate on your own to avoid revictimizing the child.
How to Talk with Your Children
Use short, clear sentences with no double meanings.
Get down to their eye level and make eye contact.
Listen patiently, without interrupting. Repeat as many times as needed.
Don’t ignore or minimize what they say, no matter how small it seems to you.
Children imitate what they see, what they observe at home becomes their model.
How to Talk About CSA
Use the real names for body parts. Avoid nicknames or funny terms.
No one should touch their private parts, except to help them clean or during a medical visit, and only if mom or dad is present.
Teach them the difference between touches that feel good (like a hug from a parent) and touches that feel strange, uncomfortable, or scary. If they feel this way, they should tell you right away.
Teach them to say “no”, even to familiar adults and that it’s okay to do so.
Reinforce trust, let them know they can always come to you and that you’ll protect them.
Use tools like games, puppets, storybooks, or images to help them express themselves.
Choose calm moments (while playing, cooking, or spending family time) to talk naturally about the topic.
Key topics to cover: Their body and private parts, good vs. bad touches, learning to say “no”, and identifying when and how to ask for help.
Resources for Talking About CSA
Books and Stories:
My Body Belongs to Me
My Superhero Voice
Videos:
Fight Child Abuse – K-3 Video Series
Safety Lessons for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
“What If…” Game
Someone asks to see your private parts and your parents aren’t with you.
A friend asks you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
An adult hugs you… another adult gives you a kiss that feels strange.
Something makes you feel bad and you don’t know what to do.
Who would you tell if something made you feel bad?
Learning
About
the Body
For very young children, you can use the swimsuit analogy to explain private parts. It’s essential to mention all body parts by their real names to avoid confusion. Show them an image of a boy and a girl in a swimsuit, point out which body parts are covered and explain that these are private parts and that no one should touch them, except for cleaning or medical reasons with a parent present. Let them know that if something hurts or feels uncomfortable, they should say so.
Activities to Strengthen Communication with Your Children
Read storybooks with enthusiasm using gestures and different voices and ask questions while reading.
Sing songs together.
Role-play everyday situations (visiting the doctor, grocery shopping).
Ask them how their day went and have them draw it.
Create stories together.
Spend quality time together: play, walk, cook, watch movies, etc.
Set clear routines and boundaries, this provides emotional safety.
Promote open, respectful communication so your child feels heard and safe.
What children remember most are not the toys, but the time shared.
Your time with them becomes the foundation of their confidence, because in every present moment you give them security, love, and guidance.
By being there, we protect their childhood and strengthen their lives.
Children Aged 7–12
Symptoms
Frequent physical pain (headache, stomachache, genital pain)
Difficulty walking or sitting
Redness, bleeding, or bruises in intimate areas
Regressions: thumb-sucking, bedwetting, baby talk.
Developmental delays: lower weight/height due to hormonal imbalance
Intense fears, anxiety, fear of physical contact, withdrawal
Avoidance of certain people or places
Irritability or aggressive behavior
Low self-esteem
Trouble with social relationships
Changes in sleep patterns: nightmares or insomnia
Changes in their eating habits
Sexualized behavior inappropriate for their age
Academic problems: low performance, lack of focus, frequent absences
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Dissociative disorders: feeling detached from oneself, unusual memory gaps, or in severe cases, multiple personalities
These symptoms alone do not necessarily indicate sexual abuse. If several symptoms appear, it may raise suspicion. In that case, report it to the authorities so a proper investigation can be carried out. Never investigate on your own to avoid revictimizing the child.
How to Talk with Your Children
Ask open-ended questions to help them express themselves.
Validate their emotions.
Listen without judgment or interruption.
Get on their level and make eye contact.
Use everyday moments (like mealtimes) as opportunities to talk.
Use simple examples or metaphors.
Be honest, respect their opinions, and set clear boundaries.
Avoid threats or humiliating punishments to build trust rather than fear.
How to Talk About CSA
Use the correct names for body parts. Explain that no one should touch or look at them, unless it’s for hygiene or health reasons, and only with their permission and in the presence of a trusted adult.
Explain what abuse is without explicit details: Someone touching them without permission, saying uncomfortable things, showing inappropriate images, or making them feel confused.
Remind them that it is never their fault and that telling someone will not get them in trouble.
Teach them to identify red flags such as: Someone asking them to keep a secret, being pressured to do something they don’t want to do, feeling uncomfortable around someone’s behavior, among others.
Reinforce that they have the right to say “no” even to people they know.
Help them identify at least three trusted adults they can talk to if something happens. If one doesn’t believe them, they should tell another until someone listens.
Use books, videos, drawings, or questions like: “What would you do if someone asked you to keep a secret about your body?”
Repeat these conversations often and in different situations.
Teach them the difference between “good” secrets (like a surprise party) and “bad” secrets (those that cause fear, shame, or discomfort), and that these must be shared.
Key topics to cover: The body, consent and respect, what abuse is and how to recognize it, the difference between good and bad secrets, who to turn to when something feels wrong.
Resources for Talking About CSA
Books and Stories:
My Superhero Voice
My Body is Mine
Videos:
NSPCC: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse: Prevention through Education
Lauren’s Kids
“What If…” Game
Someone asks you to keep a secret that makes you feel bad
Someone touches you in a way you don’t like and then gives you candy or a toy
A stranger offers to take you somewhere fun (the park, to see animals, for ice cream, etc.)
An adult wants to hug you and you don’t want to
Something makes you feel bad and you don’t know what to do
Who would you tell if something made you feel uncomfortable?
Recognizing Red Flags Signs
Let your children know clearly that if something makes them feel bad, uncomfortable, or weird, they should come to you and that you will listen and help them. Tell them to watch out for situations like:
Being asked to keep secrets
Getting a reward after doing something they didn’t like
Someone showing them or asking them to show private parts
Any activity that makes them feel strange, upset or uncomfortable
Activities to Strengthen Communication with Your Children
“Today’s news” where everyone shares how their day went
Use an emotional traffic light: Green = I feel good, Yellow = Something bothered me, Red = I feel sad or bad
Tell them stories from your own childhood
Answer their questions honestly
Spend quality time together: playing, walking, cooking, watching movies, etc.
Set clear routines and limits, which provide emotional security
Promote open and respectful communication, so your children feel heard and safe
Protecting our children's childhood means guiding them with patience, listening with attention, and providing a safe environment where they can grow, make mistakes, and learn.
The confidence they build today will be the strength that carries them into tomorrow.
Teenagers
Symptoms
Fatigue, headaches, stomach or genital pain
Anxiety, social withdrawal, depression
Low self-esteem
Unusual irritability or aggression
Mood swings, defiant behavior, rejection of physical contact
Sleep changes: insomnia or nightmares
School issues: dropping out, skipping class, poor academic performance
Loss of interest in school or extracurricular activities
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Eating disorders: bulimia, anorexia, or obesity
Delinquent behavior
Dissociative disorders: feeling disconnected from oneself, unusual memory gaps, or in severe cases, multiple personalities
Self-harm or suicide attempts
Early and high-risk sexual behaviors
These symptoms alone do not necessarily indicate sexual abuse. If several symptoms are present, it may raise suspicion. In that case, report it to the authorities so a proper investigation can take place. Do not investigate on your own to avoid revictimizing the child.
How to Talk with Your Teen
Listen attentively, without interrupting or judging
Make eye contact
Speak with honesty, respect, and empathy
Encourage them to make conscious decisions, ask reflective questions
Use open-ended questions that allow them to express themselves
Validate their emotions, don’t minimize what they feel
Maintain open and ongoing communication
Don’t pressure them to talk
Respect their privacy and autonomy, ask about their boundaries and why they matter
Use examples or personal stories
Help them understand the consequences of their choices without making them feel guilty
How to Talk About CSA
It's important that they feel safe talking to you without fear of being judged or punished. These conversations require openness, respect, and empathy.
Create an environment where they feel comfortable and free from judgment. Listen more than you talk.
Clearly explain what inappropriate behaviors are, without going into graphic details.
Talk openly about consent: they have the right to say no, and consent must always be clear, free, and voluntary.
Remind them that abuse is never their fault.
Discuss risky situations, such as alcohol or drug use, peer pressure, and being asked to keep secrets about their body.
Teach them how to stay safe online: the risks of sharing personal information, intimate images, online harassment, grooming (when an adult pretends to be a teen to manipulate or abuse them)
Emphasize the importance of setting physical and emotional boundaries.
Make sure they know they can come to you or another trusted adult whenever they need help. Respect their privacy.
Use real-life stories or examples to start the conversation. Don’t force them to talk but keep the door open.
Key topics to cover: Consent and boundaries, risky situations and peer pressure, online harassment and digital safety, safe spaces to talk and asking for help.
Resources for Talking About CSA
Videos: "Teenagers and Sexual Abuse"
NSPCC: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
“What If…” Game
Someone asks you to keep a secret that makes you feel uncomfortable
Your friends pressure you to do something you don’t want to
Someone online asks you to send photos or personal information
Something makes you feel bad and you don’t know what to do
Who would you tell if something made you feel uncomfortable?
Identifying Online Risks
Many apps allow us to communicate with people we don’t know in real life. Sometimes, these people are not who they claim to be and can pose a danger.
Talk to your teen about situations that can happen online, such as when someone:
Asks for personal photos
Requests photos of private parts
Requests personal information like your address, phone number, or family details
Offers gifts or money in exchange for something
Tells you not to tell anyone about them or the conversations you’ve had
Sends gifts for no clear reason
Tries to isolate you from family or friends
Repeatedly asks about your relationship with your parents or who has access to your devices or social media
Let them know they can always come to you, and that you’ll listen and help them deal with the situation.
Activities to Strengthen
Communication with Your Teen
Ask open-ended questions (e.g. How was your day? Did anything interesting happen today?).
Do family activities that everyone enjoys: play games, go for walks, cook, watch movies, etc.
Set clear routines and boundaries, which provide emotional security.
Promote open and respectful communication so your teens feel safe and heard.
Protecting teenagers both offline and online is about guiding them and teaching them to use technology responsibly, offering trust and guidance, so that in every click and every decision they make, they can find a safe space to grow and be themselves.
Activity:
Let’s Create a Family Plan to Talk About CSA
Step 1: Before you start, ask yourself:
What fears or discomforts does this topic bring up for me?
What messages do I want to communicate?
What words or examples can I use so my child understands without feeling scared?
Step 2: When will you talk to your child?
During dinner
Before bedtime
After school
During playtime
Other:
What sentence could you use to start the conversation?
Step 3: Key messages:
Check or write down the ideas you want to explain:
Boundaries: My body belongs to me
I have the right to say NO
There are private parts no one should touch
I can always tell mom/dad if something makes me uncomfortable
I don’t keep secrets that make me feel bad
Other:
Step 4: After the conversation, I Will…
Talk about this again regularly
Stay alert for questions or signs
Look for age-appropriate books or resources
Talk as a family about respect, trust, and care
Talking to children about protecting their bodies doesn’t take away their innocence; it helps them keep it safe.
Act Without Hesitation:
What to Do If You
Suspect Abuse
Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse
Victims of sexual abuse often feel shame and guilt, so it may take them years before they share what happened. The child’s testimony and any behavioral signs are crucial because physical evidence is often absent.
Phases of Disclosure
Denial: The child denies that the abuse occurred.
Disclosure: The child decides to tell someone what happened.
Retraction: The child may retract out of fear, pressure, or confusion.
Reaffirmation: The child confirms the sexual abuse again.
The Child’s Testimony
The child may describe precisely something he/she doesn't understand, it's normal to pause, hesitate, forget details, or self-correct. Also, their testimony can be fragmented or non-linear. Believe the child, false reports account for only about 5% of cases.
When the child decides to tell an adult what happened, their reaction becomes essential to the child’s healing process. Some reactions are negative like blaming the child, protecting the abuser, denying or minimizing the abuse, and not providing help.
Effective Reaction to a Disclosure
Listen calmly and without judgment.
Let the child speak without interrupting or pressuring them.
Avoid showing anger or fear in front of the child, they may think that they did something wrong.
Reassure them it’s not their fault, the abuser is responsible.
Discuss next steps together so the child knows what to expect.
Use simple, age-appropriate language.
Don’t promise outcomes you can’t guarantee.
Believe the child, don't question his/her feelings or actions.
Avoid “why” questions or asking for extensive details, that’s for professionals.
Refrain from questions like “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” or “What were you doing?”
Do not offer rewards for more information.
Praise the child for their courage in speaking up.
Activity:
What Would You Do as a Parent?
how you would respond
Read each scenario and choose as a mother or father:
Your 10-year-old son says a neighbor “showed him nasty videos” and then tried to touch him. He’s crying and looks scared.
How would you react?
You confront the neighbor
You tell him to forget about it and that he should never talk about this again
Other:
(write down how would you react)
Your 6-year-old says she doesn’t want to go to a friend’s house because “the dad makes her feel weird” when they’re alone.
How would you react?
You tell her not to exaggerate or dramatic
You forbid the friendship and never talk about it again
Other:
(write down how would you react)
A relative makes comments about your teenage daughter’s body and tries to hug her even though she looks uncomfortable.
How would you react?
You tell her not to be rude and hug him
You ignore the comments to avoid a family dispute
Other:
(write down how would you react)
What to Do If You Suspect a Child Has Been Abused
Report any suspicion of child sexual abuse, no proof is needed. Reports can be anonymous.
Do not investigate on your own, trained professionals must handle the case.
In Westchester County, call the New York State Central Register (Child Protective Services) at 1-800-342-3720.
Some professionals are mandated to report a suspicion of sexual abuse like:
Medical and hospital professionals
School staff
Social workers
Child caregivers in residential homes
Volunteers that work with children
Police and law agents
How the Investigation Works
After a report, the process may include:
Interviews with the child and adults
Direct observations
Medical and psychological evaluations
Family assessments.
The investigation can last up to 60 days. The primary goal is the child’s safety and to determine if an abuse has occurred. Removal from the home is not automatic and occurs only after careful evaluation.
In Westchester County, a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at the Child Advocacy Center (Westchester Institute for Human Development, Valhalla) coordinates forensic exams, specialized interviews, and assessments.
Healing Together
Child sexual abuse disrupts family dynamics.
Caregivers may feel guilt, helplessness, or fear, which can impair their ability to provide emotional support. Also, a feeling of mistrust, lack of communication and withdrawal can be present among the parents due to the feeling of guilt. Professional help is essential to address these feelings and repair family trust.
Here are some recommendations for supporting the healing process:
Offer love and affection.
Listen as many times as needed, respect the child’s need for silence.
Believe the child’s testimony.
Reassure them it’s not their fault.
Acknowledge their bravery for speaking up.
Affirm your commitment to your support throughout the process. Keep them informed of each step (e.g., reports, medical exams).
Be patient with mood and behavior changes.
Available Therapies and Support
There are different free or low cost services to support the victim or the family:
Trauma-focused psychological therapies for children and non-offending caregivers.
Legal and emotional accompaniment during medical exams, court proceedings, interviews, or placements.
Assistance applying for state compensation in New York.
Resources in Westchester County
If you suspect that a child or teenager may be a victim of sexual abuse, or if you have identified a case of abuse, you are not alone. There are confidential and professional resources you can turn to for guidance, protection, and legal and emotional support.
Asking for help is an act of love and protection. Every step you take to protect your son or daughter matters, and there are people and organizations ready to walk alongside you.
State Central Register (CPS)
anonymous 1-800-342-3720 NY State Central Register (CPS) 24/7, anonymous 1-800-342-3720
Child Advocacy Center 914-493-8150 www,wihd.org
Comprehensive victim care
Westchester County Department of Social Services 914-995-5889 RAINN
Child protection and family assistance
Support for sexual abuse victims and their families 800-656-4673 www.rainn.org/es
Child Welfare Services
Interventions, counseling, support, technical assistance, training children, forensic pediatrics 914-493-1022
Children’s Hospital
Medical, forensic and social atention for sexual abuse and domestic violence victims wmchealth.org/service-line/
Psychological & Emotional Support
Mental Health Association of Westchester Therapy for children, teenagers and adults. 914-345-5900
Center for Safety & Change
Emotional and legal support. Refugee center for sexual abuse and violence victims 845-634-3344
Victims Assistance Program at Westcop 855-827-2255
westcop.org/programs/
Crisis intervention, therapy, safety planning, group support, assistance legal.
www.wjcs.com
Westchester Jewish Community Services Individual, family and group therapy. 914-761-0600
Legal Assistance & Accompaniment
Victim Assistance Services (VAS)
Westcop Support at hospitals, court and police interviews 914-345-3113 www.westcop.org
NY Office of Victim Services Medical, psychological and legal coverage, state compensation. www.ovs.ny.gov
SAAVE
833-220-2444 www.westchestermedicalcenter.org
Crisis intervention, personal safety planning, mental health services, medical and legal support, accompaniment during medical and forensic examinations for sexual abuse, guidance in the process of financial compensation.
Family Bonding Activities
The prevention of child sexual abuse begins at home. For this, it is essential to have a relationship based on respect and trust so that children feel safe turning to their mother or father when something makes them uncomfortable. To help you strengthen these bonds and create spaces for open communication with your children, we suggest some simple activities you can do together as a family.
Bedtime Talks: 10–15 minutes every night to discuss feelings. Let them speak without judgment.
Weekly Family Challenge: Choose a challenge all family members will do each week, for example, expressing gratitude each night.
Trust Box: Create a box where children can leave notes or questions, review weekly.
Screen-Free Time: Family-only time without devices, like taking a stroll, reading, playing, among others.
Shared Reading: Read age-appropriate materials together and discuss. With children you can try books about feelings and the body, with teenagers try readings that are open for debate, always respecting the different opinions.
Protection starts at home, built on communication, education, and active listening. Safeguarding childhood is everyone’s responsibility.
At I Say No More we help you build a safe environment so they can grow without fear.
With this workbook, you’ve taken a crucial first step: opening your eyes, informing yourself, and preparing to act with clarity and love.
But the mission doesn’t end here!
Visit www.yodigonomas.com for articles, resources, and ongoing support because together we can say: NO MORE.
Workbook: Together For Their Safety
A practical guide for parents and caregivers to prevent child sexual abuse.