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Reply to "Public School District CSA Prevention Strategies?"

Brenda-

I agree with some of the previous points, particularly Jane's response. CSA is particularly vulnerable to incomplete data given the lack of disclosure. Research clearly demonstrates a lack of congruence between the low number of official CSA reports, and the high rates of reports retrospectively (often as adults).

Some data are available on teacher attitudes and beliefs about CSA which impacts their response to reports or warning signs. In one study, over half the teachers denied ever having a child in their school that was sexually abused, and many anticipated hesitating to report. Further, two-thirds of teachers fear being sued if a child disclosed to them, despite laws that protect educators that report even a suspicion of maltreatment. In this regard, some prevention could simply offer awareness and responsiveness training.

As for prevention programs, we cover this a bit in our book "Supporting and Educating Traumatized Students: A Guide for School Based Professionals". Pages 192-193 actually cover school-based prevention programs for CSA. I'd also check out these resources:

Wurtele, S. K. (2009). Preventing sexual abuse of children in the twenty-first century: Preparing for challenges and opportunities. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse

Finkelhor, D. (2009). The prevention of childhood sexual abuse. The Future of Children.

Kenny, M. C., Capri, V., Thakkar-Kolar, R. R., Ryan, E. E., & Runyon, M. K. (2008). Child sexual abuse: From prevention to self-protection. Child Abuse Review

Topping, K. J., & Barron, I. G. (2009). School-based child sexual abuse prevention programs: A review of effectiveness. Review of Educational Research.

Zwi et al. (2007). School-based education programmes for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews.

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