Be a “Prevention Learner”
What behaviors constitute child sexual abuse? Who are the abusers? Why do they abuse? What are its effects on children and teens? How can we spot and stop sexual abuse? Importantly, how can we prevent sexual abuse from ever occurring?
First, choose one of the pledges below. Then, fill out the information box so we can automatically send you an email with resources specifically matched to your selected pledge. These resources will help you build your knowledge and skills so that you can confidently carry it out.
Pledge 1
I pledge to get the basic facts about child sexual abuse so I can learn how to prevent it!
You read about child sexual abuse cases in the media regularly and may know someone who has been abused or even someone who has abused. As a concerned citizen, you want to know the facts behind the stories so that you can take action to prevent it and be a part of the solution.
Pledge 2
I pledge as a parent to learn how I can keep my child or teen safe from sexual abuse!
As a parent, you need and want to be the primary teacher of your children on issues of body boundaries, privacy, and ways to keep safe from sexual abuse. To do that effectively, first you need to get the facts.
Pledge 3
I pledge as a parent to learn how I can keep my child or teen with a disability safe from sexual abuse!
Parents and caregivers of children and teens with disabilities often have special concerns when it comes to preventing sexual abuse. Take this Pledge to explore the reasons why individuals with disabilities face a higher risk of sexual abuse and learn specific ways to protect vulnerable children and teens.
Pledge 4
I pledge to learn how to understand and respond to typical/expected vs. concerning/problematic sexual behaviors of children!
Children engage in sexual behaviors at every age and stage of their development into healthy adulthood. Learning to distinguish which behaviors are typical (green light behaviors) from those that are concerning (yellow-light behaviors), or abusive (red light behaviors) can help parents respond appropriately and confidently to these behaviors.
Pledge 5
I pledge to learn about child sexual abuse in schools and how to prevent it.
Though most schools are safe environments, research indicates that sexual abuse of children is on the rise. But what are the warning signs? What can schools do to prevent abuse, and respond promptly and compassionately if it occurs? Take this Pledge and if you work for a school, email us for a free preview of the one-hour on-line course – “Enough! Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in My School.” Bring the course to the attention of your principal, superintendent, Parent Teacher Organization and School Committee. Also learn from an education expert on how to spot and stop sexual abuse in schools.
Pledge 6
I, as a school or youth organization leader, pledge to learn how to “do the right thing” when confronted with disclosures of current or past child sexual abuse at my institution.
Responding to disclosures of past or current sexual abuse poses a challenge for the leaders in any institution. It is possible, however, to turn these crises into opportunities to strengthen protections for children while also enhancing the school’s or youth organization’s standing in the community