The Center has developed a curriculum on child sexual abuse prevention for , elementary school children and their teachers. Based on four years of work in prevention by Center staff, Betsy Deeter, MSSW, combined the best of a variety of existing programs to produce a comprehensive program consisting of role plays, videos, games and discussion. As a result of teacher enthusiasm, the Center scheduled 65 programs in 14 schools. The programs range from 3 to 8 weeks in duration and are facilitated by 4 staff members and 4 volunteers. The first grade sessions are short and basic.
Children can learn body safety, assertiveness and identification of feelings.
The issues of secret and safe touch and privacy are also discussed. Bullying, what it is and how it feels, is added for third graders. More sophisticated definitions of sexual abuse are introduced at this level, as well. Students learn what to do if they are victimized by using role play. They are encouraged to begin a list of trusted adults in their lives with whom they can talk openly.