An Easy Guide to Right Terminology: Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse & Exploitation

Words matter. Not just what you say. But how you say it as well.

Using the right words is not just about consistency, clarity and communication. But on a sensitive issue like sexual violence against children,  it is about maintaining the dignity of the victim and their family.

Terminology around any issue is never constant. It expands and evolves in tandem with our understanding of the complexities of the issue. By using lapsed terminology, we risk lack of clarity, loss of meaning and failure to engage with complete scope of the issue. And with it, the larger subtleties and changing contexts.

Helping us stay updated is the ‘Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse’ 2016. It was put together by experts in the field and in a process facilitated by ECPAT International.

It is a worthy document but its academic nature may not be best suited for a quick read. So in a Rubik-ian manner, we’ve put the puzzle in a moving grid of colorful squares.

How to use it?

Hover your mouse on a coloured square for a quick & brief definition of the term and if you want more information on a particular subject, Left Click on the Square.

It’s super simple and absolutely essential. Please go through. And if you like it, share with the interested.

(Note: The terms listed below are a sampling of the complete list)