Let’s talk about something that makes a lot of adults squirm - how to explain safe and unsafe touch to little ones when we are the ones responsible for helping them with things like toileting, nappy changes and hygiene.

This topic came up from an educator who purchased my Conversations with Kids ca...

Because one conversation won’t cut it, but the right stories can change everything.

Why Books Are Your Secret Weapon in Body Safety Education

Here’s the thing: kids don’t learn the most important stuff in one big sit-down talk. They learn through repetition. Through play. Through stories. Through ...

The Question No One Wants to Ask (But Every Parent Should)

Most parents assume the people they love are safe for their children. That family and friends means protection. That love equals trust. I wish that were always true.

But my years as a child abuse detective taught me something I could never...

I recently spoke with a mother who reached out to me because her 5-year-old child had disclosed sexual abuse - not from an adult, but from another 5-year-old child.

Let’s just pause there.

Because this is the part no one warns you about.

No one tells you what to do when the harm doesn't come from...

The difference between inappropriate and grooming behaviours

As parents, educators, and caregivers, distinguishing between inappropriate behaviours and grooming tactics is crucial for protecting children against child sexual abuse.

Inappropriate behaviour can often be a boundary-crossing incident ...

Not all child sexual abuse physically hurts the child… and not all children realise they are being abused!

Before you skip reading or get ‘icked’ out by this topic, I need you to realise WHY knowing this information is so vitally important in helping our kids stay safe and reducing overall harm.

I remember when I was returning to work after my daughter was born and the emotional roller coaster I went through in finding an early childhood centre. I had so much mum-guilt in needing to put her into childcare that I cried for days.

At that stage, I was not even a police officer, I was just nee...

Parent Question: I am thinking of enrolling my son in an organised group activity, but I am worried about the safety aspects for him whilst being around adults we don’t know personally. Is there any way we can make it safer so he can still enjoy being involved in group activities?

Sports and organi...

I’m going to be honest with you all…I have some regrets. 

If you haven’t read or heard my story, I joined the police when my daughter was just shy of 2 years old and became a detective not long after she turned 6 years old. 

I heard and saw A LOT of things that have fundamentally changed me as a p...

I grew up in a blended family. My parents separated when I was a young child and I grew up with step-parents.

With that being said, there was a lot less blended families when I was growing up than there is now. Blended families are a much more normal family structure than when I was younger and the...

A child that does NOT feel safe will not disclose abuse.

At times I think we forget this FACT in our goals to protect and help kids. 

As a specialist child interviewer, I was very aware that the time and process prior to the child's interview was equally, if not more important than the actual inte...

Before I begin with my sleepover safety advice and tips, I would like to acknowledge that sleepovers were one of my fondest memories growing up.

When I went to a sleepover, I got to see how other families interacted and lived. I got to see  how their mum’s took care of my friends and the difference i...