
I am sitting in a café in Phnom Penh.
Around 20 years ago, undercover journalists captured footage of young children offering sex to a tourist here. The videos were broadcast in news stories around the world, shocking many and inspiring efforts to rescue vulnerable children.
Some of those who came knew how to help. Others, not so much. People were particularly eager to help young girls, but the reality is that it wasn’t just young girls who were vulnerable—women, boys, and young men were also at risk.
Boys are often seen as resilient, capable of taking care of themselves. But they, too, can be vulnerable. We must remind ourselves that both girls and boys can be vulnerable and resilient. However, they all need protection—from both tourists and locals who prey on them.
All children need to learn what is appropriate and inappropriate touch. Without instilling fear of adults, they must be taught to be cautious. They need to understand that their body belongs to them.
www.good-touch-bad-touch.org is a toolkit designed for children. It has been used with hundreds of children worldwide to educate and empower them.
More information on my research in this field—working with boys, girls, men, and women—can be found on my website: www.gmmiles.co.uk.
I am here to continue my research with young men and women.
Glenn Miles.
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Email: drglennmiles@gmail.com
Resources: 1in6.org / gmmiles.co.uk
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