How to talk to kids, teens about domestic and sexual assault

Emma Sulkowicz
Emma Sulkowicz (L), a senior visual arts student at Columbia University, carries a mattress, with the help of three strangers who met her moments before, in protest of the university's lack of action after she reported being raped during her sophomore year on September 5, 2014 in New York City.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images

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High-profile domestic violence and sexual assault cases made national headlines in 2014. From Ray Riceto Emma Sulkowicz, the media coverage was pervasive, but what's the best way to talk about assault at home?

On The Daily Circuit, our guests offer advice on discussing the issue as a family in a way that's both enlightening and informative.

If you've had your own experience with domestic or sexual assault and talked to your children about it, what did you say? What did they ask? Contribute your stories in the comments below.

Learn more about talking to kids about abuse:

• Talking to Children About Physical or Sexual Abuse (NYU)
• 10 Ways To Talk To Your Kids About Sexual Abuse (Everyday Feminism)
• Talking to Your Child About Sexual Abuse: When Do You Do It and What Do You Say? (Huffington Post)
• What to tell college-bound children about sexual assault (Herald Tribune)
• How To Talk To Boys About Sex And Consent (KUOW)

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