I Can Tell

Statistics show that roughly 20% of children will be sexually abused before they are nineteen years of age.

Because we share parents' concern and want all children to grow up without the harm sexual abuse causes, we created the I Can Tell program twenty years ago, and have been teaching young children throughout the Miami Valley how to protect themselves from abuse ever since.

This abuse-awareness program uses developmentally appropriate media to teach children to recognize early signs of inappropriate sexual behavior, to affirm their feelings, and encourage them to seek out trusted adults for help. The program is offered to children in Kindergarten through grade 5 throughout the Greater Dayton area.. These are the important lessons we teach children:

  • Your body is your "own personal space."
  • No one can enter your personal space unless you are comfortable with it.
  • Any time someone else enters your personal space, and you feel uncomfortable, you have a right to say, "NO", then run away and tell someone else, a parent, teacher, nurse, police officer, or someone else you trust.
  • When someone touches your personal space in a way you don't like, it is not your fault.
  • You can tell a trusted adult whenever you feel uncomfortable.

Information and knowing what to do are the most important tools your child has to avoid harm, and get help if he or she is being abused. Parents are the best teachers. We encourage you to talk with him or her about personal safety, but in a way that is not overwhelming.  Reinforce your child's right to say, "no", when he or she doesn't feel safe. Most importantly,

LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD

BELIEVE YOUR CHILD

RESPOND TO YOUR CHILD

If you would like your school to partner with us to bring I Can Tell to your child's classroom, contact the teacher or principal and ask them to contact us.

If your school would like to partner with Womanline to bring I Can Tell to your students, call 223 3446, extension 106, or send us an email by clicking here.

 

If you believe your child or some other child is being sexually abused, you should contact

Montgomery County Children Services  - 224.6437

or Greene County Children Services  -  562.6600