Your Body Belongs to You

Touch can make us feel good or bad. Touch can also make us feel safe or unsafe.

What is a safe touch?

Safe touches make us feel good inside. It feels good to be hugged, kissed, and touched by people you love.

Some safe touches are:

• When your mom or dad gives you a hug after you wake up
• When your mom or dad kisses you goodnight
• When your friend pats you on the back after a ball game

What is an unsafe touch?

Sometimes touches can give us bad feelings inside. They can make us feel sad, scared, or confused.

Some unsafe touches are:

• Touch that hurts you
• A person touching you in a place you do not want to be touched
• A person forcing you to touch him or her
• A person telling you to keep the touching a secret
• A person saying they will hurt you if you tell someone else about the touch

What should I do if a person gives me an unsafe touch?

• Trust your “inner voice” that tells you it is an unsafe touch. This voice is telling you something is not right.
• Do whatever you need to do to keep yourself safe.
• You have the right to say, “No! Do not touch me. I don’t like it.”
  • It is okay to run away to a safe place.
  • It is okay to scream.
  • It is okay to fight back.
• Tell someone you trust, like your mom, dad, or teacher, about what happened.
• Tell someone even if the person who touched you told you not to tell.
• If someone does not believe you, tell someone else until someone believes you.

If a person gave you an unsafe touch:

• Remember the unsafe touch was not your fault.
• You were very brave to tell someone.
• It is okay to ask for help with your feelings.
• Keep believing in yourself.