NCJ Number
110760
Journal
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 32 Issue: 7 Dated: (October 1987) Pages: 551-557
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Recent awareness of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse of children has resulted in a move to implement prevention programs. In conducting these programs, the question of effectiveness is frequently asked.
Abstract
In an attempt to answer to some of this concern, a questionnaire was developed and tested to determine children's base level of knowledge. The video format prevention program, 'Feeling Yes, Feeling No,' available from the National Film Board (Canada) was tested as a method of increasing awareness. A school with a cross section of town and rural children, with differing socioeconomic backgrounds, participated in the study. The study consisted of a pretest of knowledge, a structured video interactive classroom prevention program, and a post-test measure of change. One hundred and thirty-seven students in grades 4, 5, and 6 participated. The program took 4 weeks to complete. When asked about their feelings with regard to the program, 97 percent of the children stated that they enjoyed it. The results indicated that while most children have a basic level of self-protective knowledge and assertiveness, they can, in a classroom setting, learn significant and additional facts about avoiding sexual assault. Eight of 29 knowledge questions elicited a large change in response, suggesting increased awareness of self-protection. The most significant changes occurred with girls, the same group apparently most at risk. (Publisher abstract)