Child Sexual Abuse Prevention/Education

Child Sexual Abuse is a horrific crime against children and 90% of the time, the perpetrator is a known person. Fair Haven uses the Child Lures Prevention program, Think First & Stay Safe, to reinforce to children that anytime a bully is uses their unsafe behavior, they will want you to keep it a secret so they don't get into trouble. March 2017, we were approached by the North Township Trustee to join the campaign, "No More Secrets", which connects community leaders into one mission, to end sexual abuse. Through that partnership, State Bill 355 was passed in the state of Indiana, requiring schools to provide a child sexual abuse prevention education for their students every year. We knew this was a great opportunity to create protective factors for children through education that empowers them to set personal boundaries and listen to their instincts when someone tries to lure them into abuse.

"No More Secrets" continues to be a mission in our community that Fair Haven still supports through presentations and symposiums and we have also created new partnerships with the schools and have presented to almost 72,000 students to date! The local newspaper just showcased the presentations the beginning of the year at the junior/senior high school, raising awareness and engaging others to join the movement.

Prevention education is the key to stopping child abuse and the long-term effects of trauma, but funding this enterprise has had it's share of challenges. Lake County is the 2nd largest county in the state of Indiana with 18 municipalities and has many school districts. Our team of 2 presenters can hardly service that many schools every year. The funding for materials quickly runs out, before implementing all the scheduled schools. This creates opportunities for problem solving and forming new partnerships.

The challenges are great, yet the victories are so rewarding. For instance, #GivingTuesday on GlobalGiving, provided workbooks for the remainder of our school year.  Another victory, we were able to convince the administration of a local school district that the 45 minute assembly "No More Secrets" presentation on body safety is not as impactful as a 3-day classroom presentation about sexual abuse prevention could be at their elementary schools. The 12 elementary schools have many at-risk students that really need to be empowered to speak up for themselves. We have entered 9 of the 12 schools and have already had a great reception from the teaching staff about how age-appropriate and applicable the education is with their students. In this preferred setting, students can engage the presenters with questions, receive answers and there will be an increase of retention. 

The last few months have had it's share of challenges for our program, but we are so thankful and blessed for the opportunity to bring this life-changing education to students. I will continue to share the message that all unsafe secrets must be told to a trusted adult, yet a child's body belongs to hisself and setting personal boundaries is important. Every child is unique and has great dignity and NO ONE can change that!

Links:

• NWI Times news article