Child sexual abuse detective: This is what I tell ALL parents before their kids go to school camp
A former child abuse detective has revealed exactly what all parents need to know before sending their children to school camp.
Kristi McVee has “seen and heard it all” over the course of her career and says it is simply impossible to “wrap children in a cotton ball.”
‘WThey need to make sure they have the tools to go out into the world and are prepared for it,” the ex-West Australian police officer said in a video. ‘We cWe do not offer them shelter, but we can provide them with good information about abuse.’
She advises all parents to speak to school camp organizers in advance to ensure they are happy with all precautions taken and are aware of the processes in place should anything happen.
Above all, Ms McVee said it is absolutely essential that parents and carers have ‘difficult’ conversations with their children about consent and their bodies.
Kristi McVee has “seen and heard it all” during her career as a child sex abuse detective
“If you’ve never had a conversation about body safety rights and that it’s not okay for someone to touch your child’s body, then you really need to make sure your kids get those lessons before they go anywhere without you,” she said.
‘Mine [16-year-old] My daughter has been having those conversations with me since she was three, so I’m very confident, but it never hurts to bring it 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 walk them through possible solutions.
She shared some questions she’s asked her daughter in the past: “What could you do if someone approached you that you didn’t feel comfortable with?”; “What might you do if someone takes photos or videos of you that you don’t want them to take?”
“This gives them a scenario that they can then use to find ways they can get help.”
In terms of practical solutions, Ms McVee emphasized the importance of ‘safe’ adults that children can reach.
Mrs. McVee has a family safety code word that her daughter uses when she feels uncomfortable.
“If she’s at a sleepover and something’s wrong, she can message me and I know to intervene. It will provoke a response from me as a safe adult.”
Mrs. McVee also talked about school camps.
“In the case of camps, what can you do if someone makes her feel uncomfortable? Or in the worst case: what can you do if you need to get out of a situation where you are being forced or someone is harming you?’
A teacher advised parents to request a list of staff members present and their telephone numbers.
“It’s okay not to send them if you don’t want to or if you don’t think they’re ready yet,” she added.