Collaboration
Interested in joining our mission and bringing the #MyFriendToo webpage to your country?
Contact Deputy Director Anna Ovaska.
You can make a difference!
One day, you might be that trusted adult to whom a child shares that they or their friend has experienced sexual violence. This is a powerful sign of trust and courage! However, it’s normal if that feels difficult at that moment. What matters most is that a child feels heard and supported by your active presence and listening.
Having the right information can help you respond and support them in finding help and reporting to the police. Explore our resources to learn how to provide and find sensitive and trauma-informed care in your role as a trusted adult:
Important for Caregivers and Professionals
Most cases of sexual violence against children end up not being reported to safe adults. It is well known that there are many barriers to reporting childhood sexual violence, such as feelings of guilt and shame and the lack of age-appropriate information. Many children do not share their experiences, often believing that disclosure won’t bring help or fearing that their experiences wouldn’t be acknowledged or believed.
Trusted adults who engage with children every day, like caregivers, teachers, and hobby instructors, are essential to ensuring a child’s wellbeing and safety. This means not only in the physical environments of home, school, and community, but also in online environments. As technology develops and new risks emerge, we need more effective ways to prevent online and offline harms against children.
Supporting a child in their everyday digital life doesn’t require special skills – your presence, care, and active engagement can make a real difference! Age-appropriate information for children and the support of safe adults can help prevent sexual violence against children.
Join our mission to make every child feel seen, heard, and supported. Explore the #MyFriendToo webpage and learn practical ways to support children online and offline – And share this webpage with children and adults in your community!
For Adults
Are you a parent, caregiver, or professional looking to support children and youth who have experienced sexual violence?
On this page you can learn more about how to be a safe adult and resources available to you.
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Are you a caregiver looking for support? Join a You Are Enough™ peer support group!
You Are Enough™ groups are safe, welcoming spaces where parents and caregivers whose children have experienced sexual violence can come together online to share, listen, and heal. Join a free peer support group to find understanding, connection, and strength to move forward as a family.