U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Share the Secret

NCJ Number
121566
Author(s)
S Plezia
Date Published
1986
Length
35 pages
Annotation
Intended for parents to read to and discuss with their children, this book instructs children in how to respond to a kidnapping attempt and sexual abuse by a relative.
Abstract
One story teaches children how to respond when they are separated from a parent in a public place and strangers attempt to kidnap them. Advice includes yelling, using physical measures to escape, and seeking the help of persons who can be trusted, such as clerks and security personnel. Another story involves a child being fondled in a private area by a relative while sitting on his lap. Advice includes the wrongness of an adult touching a child in any area that would be covered by a bathing suit, a child's right to say "No" to and resist any adult who attempts such touching, and the importance of telling parents or another trusted adult about such incidents, even when the perpetrator warns the child not to tell anyone. The stories ensure children they are not at fault when such incidents occur, and they have the right to take action to protect themselves when faced with such threats. Discussion points are provided throughout the stories. Illustrations.