Show Notes
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Rosalia Rivera - founder of Consent Parenting, consent educator, and survivor advocate - for a deeply important conversation about prevention, healing, and the responsibility adults hold in protecting children.
Rosalia shares her lived experience of childhood sexual abuse and how becoming a parent resurfaced memories she didn’t yet have language for. Together, Kristi and Rosalia explore why so many parents avoid child safety conversations - whether through fear, overwhelm, or the belief that “this doesn’t happen in our family” - and how both avoidance and overprotection can leave children vulnerable.
This episode unpacks how grooming operates in plain sight, why children communicate harm through behaviour, and how trauma-informed, age-appropriate conversations can dramatically reduce risk. It’s a hopeful, empowering discussion that centres education as a form of freedom - not fear.
This is not about paranoia. It’s about prevention, connection, and courage.
⚠️ Content Warning
This episode includes discussion of:
childhood sexual abuse
family and domestic violence
grooming behaviours
trauma responses
online and peer-to-peer sexual harm
Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed. Support resources are listed below.
Key Themes Covered
Why “not my child” thinking places children at risk
How unhealed adult trauma can impact prevention efforts
Grooming behaviours in family, community, and online settings
Why children often communicate harm through behaviour
The importance of trauma-informed education for parents
How consent, boundaries, and body safety protect all children
Why silence and discomfort benefit offenders
The long-term impacts of abuse when children are not believed
How prevention protects children and prevents future offending
Why normalising these conversations creates safer communities
Why This Conversation Matters
Child sexual abuse thrives in silence, stigma, and discomfort.
Many parents avoid these conversations - not because they don’t care, but because they feel overwhelmed, triggered, or unsure where to start. This episode reminds us that education doesn’t create harm - it reduces it.
By noticing behaviour, asking questions, and having ongoing, age-appropriate conversations, adults can interrupt grooming, support disclosure, and create environments where children feel safe to speak.
Prevention is possible - and it starts at home.
Practical Support & Resources
If this episode has raised questions about how to start protective, trauma-informed conversations with children, Kristi has created practical tools to support parents and carers.
🔗 Explore resources and education: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com
Resources include:
conversation guides for parents
body safety education tools
support for having calm, protective conversations without fear or overwhelm
You can also explore Rosalia Rivera’s work at: 👉 www.consentparenting.com
Support Services (Australia)
If you or someone you love needs support, help is available:
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic & family violence) - 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) - 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.
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