NCJ Number
152372
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because 1 in 4 females and 1 in 10 males will experience inappropriate sexual contact before they reach 18 years of age, appropriate prevention programs should be developed that involve children, parents, and caregivers.
Abstract
Child sexual abuse prevention programs differ in terms of content, style, method of presentation, age of the child, and trainer skills and background. Nonetheless, children need to be taught how to protect themselves. Research evidence indicates that even very young children can be taught basic safety rules. On the other hand, child development literature suggests that concepts such as "stranger" and "touch continuum" are too complex for preschool children to understand and apply to specific situations. Child sexual abuse prevention programs should take into account the overall well-being of children and their developmental needs and abilities. Program content and presentation method should not be unduly frightening to children, and programs should be developmentally appropriate. Programs aimed at preschool and kindergarten children should be very specific and concrete and should include behavioral rehearsals that allow children to learn self-protective behaviors through role playing, practice, and discovering what works and what does not. Parents and caregivers also need to be trained in child sexual abuse prevention.