Coming up March 31 in Crawfordsville

After attending this training, you will better understand the scope of abuse, be prepared to take actionable steps toward both preventing and responding to child abuse, and be equipped to create overall safer environments for the children in our community. The training session will act as a guide for developing protective behaviors against child abuse.

This event is held in partnership with Indiana DCS, Crawfordsville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, and the Montgomery County Youth Services Bureau.

There are 5 steps to protecting children

These steps form a framework for preventing child sexual abuse. We’ll be going over them in detail at the training.

LEARN THE FACTS
If we don’t understand child sexual abuse, we can’t end it. It is highly likely that you know a child who has been or is being abused. Experts estimate that one in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday.

MINIMIZE OPPORTUNITY
Safe environments can help reduce the risk of abuse. More than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in isolated, one-on-one situations. Make sure interactions with children can be observed and interrupted.

TALK ABOUT IT
Talking openly breaks down barriers and reduces stigma. Children often keep abuse a secret, but talking openly about our bodies, sex, and boundaries can encourage children to share and feel safe.

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS
Signs of abuse aren’t always obvious, but they are often there. Emotional or behavioral changes are often the most common signs, rather than physical evidence. Trauma may be the root of what is typically labeled ‘bad’ or ‘difficult’ behavior.

REACT RESPONSIBLY
It’s our responsibility to react appropriately to suspicion, disclosure, or discovery of abuse. Only 4% to 8% of reports of all sexual abuse are false. Understand how to respond to risky behaviors and suspicions or reports of abuse.