(no subject)

[redbird]

Not that I think many of my readers need this reminder, but good writing and good ideas are worth passing along: erbie has written an excellent post on How to stop rape. As she notes, it's almost certainly not complete, but it casts the right light on things. (I found it via metaquotes.)

Comments

[redbird]

Yes. True, and important

What is a useful message is "if someone touches you in a way you don't like, tell a parent/teacher/other trusted adult." The people who won't be deterred by a child saying no are more likely to be deterred by an adult saying "you're never getting near my child again" or "you're under arrest." If the adult is feeling less confrontational, for whatever reasons--the perceived authority of the abuser, not wanting to upset some third party--they can still make sure that their kid isn't alone with that person again. It's not as good an answer, because it doesn't protect neighbors, cousins, or other children, but it will help that child, which is no small thing.