Child sexual abuse is an uncomfortable topic to think about and an extremely difficult subject to discuss. Unfortunately the incidence of child sexual abuse in our society is evident in such a large proportion that individuals concerned with child welfare need to increase their efforts in addressing the issue. Current world wide statistics indicate that one out of every five girls and one out of every ten boys will be a victim of sexual abuse by the time they are eighteen years of age (1-3). Statistics, however, tend to underestimate the prevalence of sexual abuse due to the fact that “90% of sexual abuse cases are never reported to the authorities.” (4)

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have over 20 years experience providing psychotherapy for children and their families. When I work with sexual abuse “survivors,” my heart is frequently broken upon witnessing the pain and damage they endure.

Due to the fact that “in the vast majority of cases (up to 90%), children are molested by someone they know” (5), even well supervised children are at risk. Through my work I have become aware of the fact that children become victims of sexual abuse when the perpetrator is able to keep their relationship a “secret.” Sexual abuse perpetrators prey on children who do not understand what is occurring as a friendship is manipulated into a sexual encounter.

I have spent my career focusing my energy on providing sexual abuse prevention education to all children. My goal is to engage every public and private school in this country, and throughout the world if possible, in the process of educating and empowering our children.

If the silence is broken, the crime can be stopped!

REFERENCES

1. D. Finkelhor, Future Child. 4, 31 (1994).
2. World Health Organization (WHO), World Report on Violence and Health (WHO, Geneva, 2002); available at:  www.who.int/violence injury prevention/violence/world report/.
3. R.M. Bolen, M. Scannapieco, Soc. Serv. Rev. 73, 281 (1999).
4. D.M. Fergusson, L.J. Horwood, L.J. Woodward, Psychol. Med. 30, 529 (2000).
5. “Megan’s Law – How to Protect Yourself and Family,” Office of the Attorney General, State of California, Department of Justice; available at:  http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/     

This is a Sexual Abuse Prevention Program developed by Teri Vodden, LCSW designed for teachers, parents and mental health professionals.

In a child friendly video, Safety Bear outlines the rules regarding “private parts” including how to ask for help when feeling threatened. Songs and activities engage children in the learning process. A complete teaching curriculum with a coloring book and an audiotape (or compact disc) are included in the program package. Learn more here!