SARC teaches "safe touch" at local elementary school

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. James Ramirez
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The safety of children today is a hot topic given the many threats that face parents in an ever-changing world. Machelle Terrell, 47th Flying Training Wing sexual assault response coordinator, is doing her part to ensure children know how to stay safe.

Terrell taught more than 400 children the "safe touch rule" over the course of three days at Cardwell Elementary School. The demonstration taught children the importance of ownership of their body, what portions of their body are private, what to do if they are in an uncomfortable situation and who they can tell about an uncomfortable situation.

"This demonstration was part of multiple presentations made for our students here during Red Ribbon Week," said Patty Dixon, Cardwell Elementary School counselor. "It is very important for our children to know how to keep their bodies safe."

Red Ribbon Week is primarily concerned with drug awareness for children; however Terrell noted that parents should have additional concerns, "Besides staying away from alcohol and drugs it is important for children to know how to keep their bodies safe from inappropriate touching."

Terrell commented that the prevalence of child abuse is mostly unknown due to a child's inability to disclose past experiences due to fear, embarrassment or shame. "We hope that the simple teaching of this 'safe touch rule' will help to further decline this form of child abuse," said Terrell.