Child Sexual Abuse Prevention/Education

"So be sure when you step, 

Step with great care and great tact.

And remember that life's 

A great balancing Act.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)

Kid,

You'll move mountains!"

"Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is famously written by the “Father of Children’s Books”, Dr. Seuss. To say that he is one of my heroes is an understatement. He found a way to share  important life lessons through books...to children (adults too)! This book has plenty to teach us about the importance of reading, believing in yourself, and doing the necessary work. After a long summer of reading, research, modification and preparations, Fair Haven's Education & Outreach team is starting another school year teaching our child sexual abuse prevention education. 

School is the place we'll go! Teaching child sexual abuse prevention in a child appropriate manner is critical to the success and increase in protective factors and emotional well-being of a child. Dr. Seuss did it, we can too. As adults we know this is a terrifying topic because the reality is horrific; one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old (NSVRC). Changing the culture begins with changing one's beliefs. How do we change beliefs? Through interactive fun! Through "care and great tact", our education program's primary objectives are to maintain the innocence of childhood and add "sexual abuse" to the list of vocabulary words; what it means, what the law says and how to get help. 1-2-3 done! 

Fair Haven's vision is to create a caring, safe and nurturing community with zero tolerance for violence. Thankfully others in the community share our vision, believe the program can begin this change and commit through volunteering or with monetary gifts. The education is free to the community, but we need to be empowered to share the message. Our education department is at capacity, the presentation calendar is full and we have had to add schools to our waiting list. Some schools do not have the resources to pay staff or fund curriculum for this mandated education. We need support to grow and fill the needs of our community. We need you!

One-by-one we will share this education with students until we see a safer community. It is never a child's responsibility to stop abuse, but changing their mindset about what is and what is NOT acceptable behavior is a start to ending abuse for future generations. We must empower children to move mountains! Can we succeed? Yes indeed, "98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed!"

Links:

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center