Every day, all across Quebec, thousands of children are involvedin activities outside the home. The majority of these activities
are fun, positive and help children learn and grow into
healthy adults. Just as we recognize the importance of
ensuring that physical environments do not pose any safety
risks to children, we must also do the same in preventing
child sexual abuse.
An integral part of safety is teaching children to set and respect
personal boundaries. By doing so they will learn to protect
and take care of themselves. Individuals who present a risk
to children usually begin by breaking down these boundaries.
It is crucial that children feel that the significant adults in their lives accept them, care about them and would
go out of their way to ensure that they are safe and well. Children with a healthy sense of self-esteem are less
vulnerable to becoming victims of abduction, aggression or exploitation.