S4 E29: Author, Founder, Advocate, and Survivor — Ismena Toscan on Protecting Every Child in Canada

One in three Canadian girls has experienced childhood sexual abuse. One in eight boys. These aren't abstract numbers — they're children in classrooms, on hockey teams, in families across the country.

Ismena Toscan is 15 years old. She is a survivor, the founder of the Hula Hoop Initiative, the author of two children's books on body autonomy and personal safety, and someone who has already spoken at the House of Commons in support of the Keeping Children Safe Act. In this episode she talks about why preventive education has to begin long before anything goes wrong, what the hula hoop concept teaches young children about their own boundaries and personal space, why she chooses the word survivor over victim, and what parents can do right now to build the kind of open relationship that makes children feel safe enough to speak up.

This one is for every parent, every educator, and every person who believes children deserve to feel safe.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.

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