Preventing sexual violence against children and adolescents

Last updated on 6 March 2023

How can we talk about sexual violence with children or adolescents? How can we approach the subject with accurate information and words to help them understand and protect themselves from abuse?
The Bayard Press Group has just published booklets to address this topic in the classroom or for young people to take it up on their own. A valuable resource to address this sensitive issue of sexual violence against children and this unbearable violation of human rights.

Bayard Jeunesse produced three booklets – one for 3-7 year olds, one for 7-13 year olds and one for over 14 year olds. They were designed in collaboration with specialized doctors and psychologists. These booklets are designed to help you find the right words and age-appropriate information for your students. Booklets that have their place in all CDIs. They are included in all the youth magazines published by Bayard. They are also and above all freely downloadable in PDF format.

Remarkable work by Bayard’s teams, to be commended It deserves to be widely known and disseminated.

“My body is a treasure” the booklet for children from 3 to 7 years old

The title of this first of the three booklets says it all. And say it nicely. This document for the little ones is a model of delicacy. The idea is to help the youngest to know their body well, identify its needs, but also what can harm it or is not normal. Short texts and large drawings smoothly allow here to lay down some simple rules.

No anxiety situation or excessive dramatisation, nothing in this booklet will shock a child.  The document concludes with reassuring advice:
‘If someone does not respect my treasure and tells me that it is a secret, I have the right to disobey and say so!’ I can tell a trusted adult.

My body is a treasure can be downloaded freely here. 

Talking about sexual violence to children aged 7 to 13

This age group is particularly affected. Studies have shown that children between the ages of 7 and 13 are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. This period of their lives is characterised by significant physical, emotional and social changes, which can make them more likely to be victims of sexual abuse. In addition, their lack of experience and lack of knowledge of sexuality may lead them not to recognise abusive behaviour.

Stop sexual violence against children consists of an illustrated booklet for children and three small animated films, an extension of the booklet. A colourful booklet that recognises the know-how of the pros of Bayard’s youth press. Young people will discover a lot of useful information and three comic strips featuring three classic situations of sexual violence or abuse.

The message is clear. Young readers are asked about risky situations, for example, when they play on the Internet. I had discussed the subject here. with the CNIL portal In particular.  “Behind the screen there is sometimes a villain” says the booklet. Each sequence is composed in the same way. A comic book on two pages, then a page that encourages the child to think, then a fourth page that takes up the right rules and reflexes to have. Clear.

A sequence ready to serve in a group with a teacher or educator. The booklet is accompanied by three short animated films reproducing the characters and situations described in the booklet. Small short films lasting 2 minutes and 30 minutes, which can also be used to start an exchange with children.

An excellent work of the Bayard Presse group.

Link: You can download the booklet for free here.

The films are also available on YouTube.

A not-so-nice uncle

A funny coach

Hugo gets trapped on the Internet

Stop sexual violence for teenagers from 14 years old

This last booklet which highlights the word rape in the title VIOLences is published in the magazine Phosphorus of the month of March. Like the other two booklets, it can also be Downloaded in PDF format on Bayard's website. 
A booklet that addresses the phenomenon without detours and with the right words. Bayard's specialists devote a whole chapter to the essential notion of "consent" with in addition an excellent video subject found on Lumni.

Rape, incest, sexual harassment, Stop sexual violence for adolescents also evokes the serious psychological consequences. A chapter for victims, but also for friends of victims. The last chapter discusses the lodging of complaints and the care of victims. In addition to how to file a complaint and what the Criminal Code provides for aggressors, the booklet tells what happens in practice when you take the step. Useful.

This booklet for older adolescents reminds us of evidence that is all too often forgotten:

“Whatever the circumstances, the problem comes from the aggressor. Never of the victim.

The numbers are alarming! Every year in France, 160 000 children are victims of sexual assault. according to the Ciivise. Such violence affects both girls and boys, without distinction. And what is even more shocking is that 80 % Sexual violence against children under the age of 10 is committed by relatives, according to statistics. In addition, 81 % sexual violence starts before the age of 18. Victims of sexual violence belong to all social backgrounds.

The three booklets developed by Bayard Jeunesse in collaboration with doctors and specialized psychologists are: valuable resources to address this delicate topic in the classroom and to help young people understand and protect themselves from abuse. An additional tool to act to prevent and try to put an end to this unbearable violence.