Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Awareness
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"The Cook County Sheriff’s Youth Services Department offers two programs designed to increase awareness and outline safety measures to prevent child sexual abuse. It is imperative that adults become aware and sensitized to any indicators of sexual abuse and are able to respond appropriately."
— Thomas Dart
Sheriff of Cook County
Programs
Sexual Abuse Prevention for Children
This curriculum is designed to carefully acquaint pre-school through 3rd grade children with information about ownership of one’s body, appropriate refusal skills, and learning how to communicate concern to a trusted adult. This program is presented in two 45 minute sessions.
Child Sexual Abuse Awareness for Adults
This program is designed to educate teachers, parents, and concerned professionals about the problems of child sexual abuse and the need for early prevention education. Participants are given information regarding prevention, statistics, indicators of abuse, how to handle disclosure, and an overview of the sexual abuse prevention program for children. Also included in the presentation is information on the Mandatory Reporting Act and resources for treatment. The length of this program is approximately one hour.
Facts
The following statistics indicate the need for prevention and awareness:
- Sexual abuse is the most concealed, distressful and controversial form of child abuse and occurs more often than statistics reveal.
- Victims of sexual abuse are both male and female, as are offenders.
- Most experts believe that 90% of offenders are someone the child and family knows.
- Sexual abuse happens in all races, ethnic groups, socio-economic groups, ages, and neighborhoods.
- Sexual abuse can be in the form of touching and non-touching (exhibitionism).
- In the United States, a child is sexually abused every two minutes. (Senator Christopher Dodd founder of Children’s Caucus)
All suspected cases of child abause should be immediately reported to DCFS at 1-800-25-ABUSE
How Can I Start a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program in My Area?
Consultation is available to help you:
- develop a presentation outline
- effectively utilize audio/visual materials
- implement specific activities
- learn about other available resources
- establish a collaborative network to meet your program goals
Staff is also available to co-lead pilot sessions and provide follow-up support. For further information or to schedule a program, please contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Youth Services Department at (773) 869-4711.
Home > Youth Serivices > Resources > Child Abuse Prevention Resources > Programs
Jail Diversion and Crime Prevention
Youth Services Department
3026 South California, Building 1, 2nd floor
Chicago, Illinois 60608
Phone 773-869-4711 Fax 773-869-7514
ccysd@cookcountysheriff.org
