What is the Good Touch / Bad Touch program?
What will be taught to my child?
Who is delivering this program and how?
What is the Good Touch / Bad Touch program?
Good Touch / Bad Touch is a body-safety program that teaches our children a comfortable way to talk about a very sensitive problem. Children are taught what abuse is, personal body-safety rules, who can help them and what to do if they are threatened or harmed. Good Touch / Bad Touch teaches children vital safety skills on a developmental level compatible with their age group. The lessons are positive and taught according to values such as respect for oneself and others, compassion, humour, honesty, caring and responsibility.
What will be taught to my child?
Informing children of the following concepts helps to reduce their vulnerability to abuse:
- Touch can be good, bad or confusing.
- Children are precious and have the right to know all the safety rules.
- Children can say “NO!” to touches they don’t like.
- Children can tell a trusted adult if they ever have a problem with sexual abuse, bullying or other confusing touches.
- Abuse is NEVER the child’s fault.
Who is delivering this program and how?
The program has been adapted especially for Nunavik by a committee involving Inuit and non-Inuit from different organizations: Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS), Kativik Regional Police Force (KRPF), Kativik School Board (KSB), Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre (UTHC), CLSCs and the Department of Youth Protection (DYP). We believe that every child has a unique contribution to make to their communities and the world. We wish to help each child be safe and develop self-esteem to reach their full potential. We believe that parents and guardians should be heard, informed and valued in order for them to support their children. The program is presented in Inuktitut by experienced facilitators with the support of local interveners.