Can my child get in trouble for reporting something that happened at a party?
Law enforcement best practice is to prioritize the report of sexual violence and not charge the reporting individual with underage drinking as long as they were not putting others in harm’s way (drunk driving, for example). How family, school, and the community respond will vary depending on values, rules, and policies. Some local jurisdictions have […]
What should my child do if they see something unsafe happening?
If they can safely intervene, they can directly address the situation and ask the target or targets if they are okay. They can also try creating a distraction to break up whatever is happening. If they do not feel safe to intervene, they can tell a trusted adult, an accessible authority figure, or report to […]
How can my child help in a situation without putting themselves in danger?
Sometimes directly speaking up against a situation might not be safe, but an indirect intervention can, like creating a distraction. If they do not feel safe to intervene, they can tell a trusted adult, an accessible authority figure, or report to law enforcement.
How can I support my child if one of their friends experienced harm?
Let your child know that you are there to support them, and if there are ways you can support their friend, offer that as well. Remind your child that supporting someone who has experienced harm can be difficult, and it is okay if they feel upset or overwhelmed. Tell them that they can always talk […]
What should my child say or avoid saying to someone who was hurt?
Some things they can say are: “Thank you for trusting me with this” “Is there anything I can do to support you?” “I know a good resource we can call, do you want me to call with you?” “It wasn’t your fault.” Some things to not say: -don’t ask them if they are sure -Don’t […]
Does something being legal mean it is safe or healthy for my child?
Just because something is legal does not mean it is healthy, safe, or developmentally appropriate for your child. Laws are created through political and historical processes that do not always reflect the most up-to-date and best ways to keep children safe and healthy, and they are not individual to your child.
Why can teens legally consent to sex but not sexting?
The laws that determine the age of consent are from each state, but the laws about sending sexual pictures and videos of minors are more uniform because this can happen more easily across state lines. There are risks for sending sexual pictures and videos to anyone under the age of 18.
What happens if consent laws are different in different states?
The law applies to the state the sexual activity happens in, regardless of the state the individuals involved are residents of.
Can someone consent if they are drunk or high at a party?
In Connecticut, if someone is drunk or high, they can legally give consent as long as they are not drunk or high to the point of incapacitation. The standard for incapacitation in Connecticut is if someone cannot understand what they’re agreeing to or possible consequences of engaging in an activity. If someone is incapacitated, even […]
How can I help get an image of my child taken down if it was shared online?
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) offers a service called Take It Down you can use to help take the image down.