My Body Belongs to Me is a hardcover children’s book that teaches children ages 3-8 if someone touches them inappropriately, to tell a parent or teacher right away.
Speaking to children on their own terms, this book sensitively establishes boundaries for youngsters. In a non-threatening, engaging manner, this guide teaches kids that when it comes to their body, there are some parts that are for “no one else to see” and empowers them to tell a parent or teacher if someone touches them inappropriately.
Most importantly, this narrative assures young ones that sexual molestation is not their fault, and by speaking out, the child will continue to grow big and strong. A “Suggestions for the Storyteller” section is also included to assist in facilitating a comfortable discussion afterwards, thereby helping to prevent the unthinkable from happening to any child.
As a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City for more than a decade, I have often encountered children who were sexually abused for lengthy periods of time and suffered in silence. One case in particular had a profound impact on me and compelled me to write this book.
I prosecuted the case of a 9-year-old girl who had been raped by her stepfather since she was 6. She told no one. One day, the girl saw an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" about children who were physically abused. The episode, "Tortured Children," empowered the girl with this simple message: If you are being abused, tell your parents. If you can't tell your parents, go to school and tell your teacher. The girl got the message and the very next day went to school and told her teacher. I prosecuted the case for the District Attorney's office. The defendant was convicted and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.
I have thought often of that very sweet, very brave 9-year-old girl. It occurred to me that after three painful years, all it took to end her nightmare was a TV program encouraging her to "tell a teacher."
I wrote My Body Belongs to Me to continue that message. It endeavors to teach children that they don't have to endure abuse in silence. Parents and educators should use it as a tool to facilitate an open dialogue with youngsters. It is my hope that by educating girls and boys about this taboo subject, My Body Belongs to Me will prevent them from becoming victims in the first place.
Inventor: Jill Starishevsky
Jill Starishevsky is an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, where she has prosecuted hundreds of sex offenders and dedicated her career to seeking justice for victims of child abuse and sex crimes. Outside the courtroom, Jill's fondness for writing led her to create thepoemlady.com, where she pens personalized pieces. Her mission to protect children, along with her penchant for poetry, inspired My Body Belongs to Me. A mother of two, Jill is also founder of HowsMyNanny.com, a service that enables parents to purchase a license plate for their child's stroller so the public can report positive or negative nanny observations.
After writing the book, I began the process of networking to establish contacts in the publishing industry as well as the child sexual abuse prevention industry to obtain feedback. I would recite the 22 line book (which is in poem form) to anyone who would listen, in the hope that they knew someone who knew someone who could help. Apparently I recited it a lot more often than I realized. One day we were at a party and when I offered to recite the book to someone I was speaking with, my daughter, who was then three years old, jumped in a recited the entire book from memory. It was incredibly surprising and impressive, but an excellent example of how child-friendly the book truly is.
Parisa M. says:
Jan 17, 2010 at 9:53 pm
This book is a must read. The author does a fantastic job taking a child through a delicate subject without creating anxiety or confusion. It’s a must have for all parents and children.
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Ruth H says:
Jan 11, 2010 at 12:50 am
'My Body Belongs to Me' is undeniably an essential read for parents to engage in with their children, and a most proactive learning dynamic for teachers to interact with their students. In parallel to this significance, this book further empowers children … more with a child rights perspective in context of a child's right to protection from sexual abuse. It's core messages are reinforced as children learn and come to understand that have the right to be safe from abuse, the right to make rules to protect 'their personal boundaries' and the right to speak up when people cross their boundaries. When 'My Body Belongs to Me' is shared with children in a group setting, as in the classroom, or in the library, or after school program, the interactive dialogue that comes naturally for children offers unique comfort and sense of personal empowerment to share thoughts and experiences among their peers, which greatly reinforces the children's learning experience and the books evident merits. Social workers, foster parents and supporting child care providers, shelters, as well as hospitals, doctors in clinics, police departments,libaries and book stores should place bulk orders of this book. I'm proud for the privelage of helping to broaden the vital reach for 'My Body Belongs to Me' for Canadian children ~ and far beyond! I look forward to this mighty little book being released in multiple languages, as well as braille and audio versions for differently abled children. Thank you Jill for your knowing heart and creative brilliance!! added thought ~ why on earth is this book side by side with a beverage?? Not a fair nor relevant debut shot for Prometheus Springs - offer them a day against Coke or Pepsi ~ that should make up for there being no contest/context here! ~ food fer thought!
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Greg Heyman says:
Jan 10, 2010 at 11:48 pm
The author should be commended for successfully navigating through a delicate topic in a way a young child can comprehend. Brava!
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Shawn says:
Jan 10, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Awesome idea! I have 3 children and before I saw this book I was trying to think of a way to help them understand more about this topic on their level. Great idea!
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Stacey Kannenberg says:
Jan 10, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I am a huge fan of this book! It teaches children to be safe in a way in which they can understand. The rhymes are priceless at teaching kids that their body belongs to them!!! It is a must have for every child!
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