Penn State scandal is a wake-up call for Cleveland area parents

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center said the Penn State scandal is a wake-up call to parents about the importance of talking to children about sexual abuse. And according to the center, it's never too early or too late to have that conversation.

The center recommended teaching 3-year-olds about safe, ouch and "uh-oh" touches and what to do if someone touches the parts covered by a bathing suit. Eight-year-olds, according to the center, can learn about respect and boundaries, while middle school students can learn about sexual harassment.

"I tell parents to always ask has anyone ever touched you," said Sondra Miller, the center's vice-president of community engagement. "Has anyone ever showed you dirty pictures? Has anyone ever made you touch them? Ask them very directly and then remind children if anyone ever does hurt them or touch them they can come to you and not be afraid of what might happen."

Miller said reading books with your children such as "Three Kinds of Touches" by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape can help the conversation.

The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Hotline is also open to parents with questions at (216)619-6192.