Episode Details

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 lifelin