Introduction

This booklet aims to 1) strengthen our ability as adults and authorities to identify the differences between safe and dangerous, unwanted touch, both for our own children and for children in general, and 2) to acquire a set of tools that we need in order to identify potentially risk situations and actions that can be taken to protect children from violence. As adults, parents and professionals, we know that our ability to understand the child and our knowledge of the peculiarities of his development at different ages is one of the most important things that will give us peace of mind about everything that lies ahead in our relationship with them. This booklet contains information about the physical, sexual, emotional, cognitive and social development of the child between the ages of 7-13.