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A former child sexual abuse detective has revealed exactly what all parents need to know before sending their children to a school camp.
Kristi McVee He has “seen and heard it all” throughout his career and says it is simply impossible to “wrap children in a ball of cotton.”
‘WWe have to make sure they have the tools to go out into the world and be prepared for it,” the former Western Australian police officer said in a video. ‘We C“We can’t protect them, but we can give them proper education about abuse.”
She recommends that all parents speak to school camp organizers in advance to make sure they are happy with all the precautions taken and know the processes in place in case something happens.
Above all, Ms McVee said it was absolutely essential for parents and carers to have “difficult” conversations with their children about consent and their bodies.
Kristi McVee has ‘seen and heard it all’ throughout her career as a child sexual abuse detective
“If you’ve never had a conversation about body safety rights and it’s not okay for anyone to touch your child’s body, then you should make sure your kids get those lessons before they go anywhere without you,” she said.
“My (16-year-old) daughter has been having those conversations with me since she was three, so I’m pretty confident, but it never hurts to touch that up.”
What should you tell your child when it comes to safety?
Ms. McVee recommends that parents present hypothetical scenarios to their children in a safe space and guide them through possible solutions.
She shared some questions she had asked her daughter in the past: “What could you do if someone approached you who you felt uncomfortable with?”; ‘What could you do if someone was taking photos or videos of you that you didn’t want taken?’
“This gives them a stage where they can then find ways to get help.”
In terms of practical solutions, Ms McVee highlighted the importance of having “safe” adults for children to access.
Mrs. McVee has a family safety code word that her daughter uses when she feels uncomfortable.
‘If you’re at a sleepover and something’s wrong, you can message me and then I know you need me to intervene. This will elicit a response from me as a confident adult.’
Mrs. McVee also referred to school camps.
‘In the case of camping, what can you do if someone makes you feel uncomfortable? Or in the worst case scenario, what can you do if you need to get out of a situation where you are being forced or where someone is hurting you?
One teacher recommended that parents request a list of staff members who attend and their phone numbers.
“It’s okay not to send them if you don’t want to or if you don’t think they’re ready,” he added.
