Sexual harassment and sexual abuse have been in the news a lot recently. These are not comfortable conversations, but we need to have them. Your body belongs to you and you have the right to say no to being groped, being sent explicit photos, being harassed, coerced into sending pictures, doing sexual favours or having intercourse. Boys and girls can be the victim of sexual harassment and abuse.   

Here are some things to remember about sexual harassment and assault:

1.  It's ok to say no if you don't feel comfortable - it does not make you frigid or a prude.
2. It's not your fault - don't let the abuser try to tell you that your family will disown you if they learn what happened. They are just trying to protect themselves from prosecution.
3. Tell someone - if you have been abused or harassed, tell someone. When I was in high school I was groped by a boy in my class. I was embarrassed about telling a teacher but I was also concerned that he would continue abusing other girls. He was asked to leave the school which sent a clear message that his behaviour was not ok. If the person you tell doesn't take your complaint seriously, tell someone else. ​​

If you have been sexually assaulted find out more at https://au.reachout.com/articles/sexual-assault-support.

At least they tried.

It's difficult adjusting to a new school term after a long summer break. Here's a quick Mental Health Checklist of things that I find useful if I feel like I'm running on empty.

I burnt myself while I was cooking this weekend. I was roasting the most delicious BBQ beef ribs but when I removed them from the oven I spilt some of the BBQ sauce on my foot. Then I proceeded to slip in the sauce and land on my butt. Somehow I managed to get the ribs onto the kitchen bench on my way down. Thankfully it wasn't a bad burn and I had done a first aid course so I knew to run it under cool water for 20 minutes. I was so fortunate that it wasn't more serious and I was just left with a small red mark on my foot. There are thousands of burn accidents every year. The following information is from St Johns in Victoria:
CLEAR all jewellery and clothing from around the burn area (unless stuck to the skin)

COOL place the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes.

COVER the burn loosely with cling wrap or a clean, damp lint-free cloth. Don't put anything else on it!

Go to the doctor or emergency department if:

• larger than a 20-cent coin
• on the face, hands, groin or feet
• deep or infected
• caused by chemicals or, electricity​.

https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/news/how-to-treat-and-recognise-a-burn-effective-first-aid-for-burns/