1. Child Sexual Abuse Awareness

2. Erin’s Law
Annual prevention education for public school children on sexual abuse.
Annual trainings for school personnel and parents on sexual abuse.

3. Most Important Component
Pillars can give children tools to recognize sexual abuse, equip them with skills to reduce their vulnerability and encourage reporting the abuse.

4. What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Any sexual activity involving a child in the context of an abusive situation.
Forcing, coercing or persuading a child to engage in any type of sexual act. Including non-contact acts such as exhibitionism, exposure to pornography, voyeurism and communicating in a sexual manner by phone or internet.

5. Sexual Abuse is … A traumatic experience for children and teens
A crime punishable by law.

6. 5 Steps to Protecting Children*
1. Learn the facts.
2. Eliminate or reduce risk for abuse.
3. Talk to children about their bodies, sex and boundaries.
4. Know the signs of abuse.
Understand how to respond to risky behaviors, suspicions and disclosures.
*2013 ©Darkness to Light, 7 Radcliffe Street, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403

7. Know the Facts…

8. Know the facts…
Strangers were offenders in just 3% of sexual assaults against victims under the age 6 and 5% ages 6-11
Of sexually abused girls,
53% are abused by their biological fathers
15% by stepfathers
8.8% by uncles
Of sexually abused boys,
Median age first incident - 9/10 yrs.
20% are abused by women
80% are abused by men
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault – icasa.org

9. Did you know?
More than 20,000 images of child porn are posted on the internet every week.
The typical child sex offender abuses an average of 117 children, most of whom DO NOT report the abuse.
A trained adult can protect an average of 10 children from sexual abuse.

10. Truth is… Girls are more commonly victimized.
Social class is unrelated to risk.
Ethnic differences appear unrelated to risk.
Physically disabled children are at a higher risk.

11. Eliminating and Reducing Risk
80% of sexual abuse incidents happen in isolated, one-on-one situations.
Group situations with multiple adults supervising best.
Make sure interactions can be observed and interrupted.
Avoid older youth being in isolated one-on- one situations younger youth.

12. Best Practices for Schools & Organizations
Background checks; personal and professionals references mandatory;
Code of conduct for staff and volunteers;
Policy for responding to disclosures;
Policy for responding to inappropriate behaviors, breaches in policy and suspicion of abuse;
Prevention training for employees, volunteers, parents and caregivers.

13. Talk to Children About Boundaries
Talking creates bonds; instills knowledge;
Teach sexual safety; (“No one should touch you where a bathing suit covers.”)
Tell children what sexual abuse is, and, when age appropriate, about sex.
Tell children they have the right to tell ANY person “NO” to unwanted touch.
No secrets.

14. Indicators of Sexual Abuse
Infancy - 5 years
Fearfulness, anxiety, unprovoked crying;
Sudden rejection of normal physical affection;
Sudden reluctance to be with a specific person or go to a specific place;
Art work with sexual images;
Any disclosure of sexual abuse.
6 – 11 years
Perfectionism / attempts at over-achievement;
Overzealous cleanliness in regard to personal hygiene;
Development of eating disorders.

15. Indicators of Sexual Abuse
12 – 18 years
Depression
Insomnia
Sudden failure in school
Truancy
Withdrawal from family and/or friends
“Running away” from home
Drug problems
Criminal behavior
Self injury/ self-destructive behavior
Suicidal behavior
Sudden mood shifts
Sexually aggressive behavior
Aggression and bullying
Pregnancy/ STDs

16. Child’s Response to Abuse
Secrecy
Victims are pressured with threats and
told they will not be believed.
Because of the demand for silence; child is held responsible for maintaining present state of affairs.
Helplessness
Child is not able to protect self.
Children are socialized to be subordinate.
Children are consistently subjected to unpleasant things and told it’s “for their own good.”

17. How Is Abuse Brought to Our Attention?
Disclosure of abuse to someone who then reports the activity.
Changes in child’s behavior.
Abuse that was witnessed.
Suspicious physical findings.
Appearance of an STD.
Perpetrator confession.

18. Recantation
Children often feel shame, guilt, and obligation to restore family harmony;
May experience same fears that force silence;
Due to reaction from others, children may recant to “make things right.”

19. Commonly asked Questions by Parents
Was this the child’s fault?
No. Sexual abuse/assault is never fault of the victim.
Is the child at risk of STI or other medical problems?
Possibly, but treatment can help. A medical exam by a trained professional is recommended.
How could I let this happen?
Perpetrators are very clever; they target, groom, and isolate a child for abuse. They are devious, manipulative and deceptive. It is not your fault.

20. In compliance with Erin’s Law
PILLAR IN YOUR SCHOOL
In compliance with Erin’s Law
Offers training in recognizing warning signs of child sexual abuse.
Offers training on what to do if a child discloses.
Offers immediate on-site assistance & referrals to school social worker/personnel and families if a child discloses.
Offers training for school personnel on child sexual abuse.
Offers parents info on implementation.
Offers age appropriate programming-PreK – 12
Offers staff with crisis intervention certification.

21. Lesson Focus for PreK-2 Grades
Using our brains to stay healthy and safe.
Body rights.
Standing up to safety.
Listening to and trusting instincts
Safe/Unsafe Touch
Telling a Grown up

22. Lesson Focus for Grades 3-4
All of the lessons provided in earlier grades.
With additional information on safe and healthy boundaries.
Bullying and harassment prevention.
Recognizing specific abuse lures that may be used.
Internet safety.

23. Lesson Focus for Grades 5-6
All of the lessons provided in earlier grades, with additional information to include:
Safe and healthy boundaries.
Reinforce Body Rights.
Recognizing specific abuse lures that may be used.
Cyberbullying and Internet Harassment.

24. 7-8 Grade and up: Focus of these lessons will include:
-respectful relationships
-healthy relationships
-internet safety
-recognizing specific lures used by perp.

25. What to do if a Child Discloses?
The most important thing parents/guardians or teachers can do:
Say, “I believe you and it’s not your fault;”
Do ask open ended questions “Then what happened?”
Don’t express anger or disbelief.
Conduct minimal fact interview;
Determine what, when and by whom, if possible.
Don’t ask leading questions.
Let child know that everything possible will be done to protect them.
Do tell law enforcement/DCFS.
Don’t promise not to tell.
Don’t attempt further investigation
Children respond differently. The child’s developmental level will affect the impact of sexual abuse.

26. Recommendations
When a child discloses, understand that YOU are that child’s opportunity for help, compassion and healing.
Parents, schools and professionals should continually partner to reinforce and support Erin’s Law classes.
This presentations is recommended before implementation in your school.

27. 24hr Sexual Assault Hotline: (708)482-9600
24hr Domestic Violence Hotline
(708)
Questions about LURES and Erin’s Law:
Director of Advocacy
Pat Murphy M.S, CADC
(708)