Together we can prevent most sexual abuse.
Be part of the solution by taking these steps.
Local law enforcement & Local Child Protective Services If you witness an incidence of child abuse or are concerned someone is in imminent danger, call 911. If it is not an emergency, use a directory service to find your local law enforcement agency and ask for someone in their department who specializes in crimes against children. When reporting a suspicion or knowledge of child abuse you should also call your local Child Protective Services office to make a report (use the link below to get your local reporting number for Child Protective Services). Remember, all you need to make a report is a SUSPICION abuse may be occurring; you don't need to have witnessed the abuse, don't need to have proof, don't need a confession...please call in your suspicion and let the authorities determine next steps.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the United States, its territories, and Canada, the Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in 170 languages. The Hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous and confidential. www.childhelp.org/pages/hotline-home
Start by taking this training*: Stewards of Children & then one or all of these 5 Additional Training Modules
Stewards of Children is the only nationally available program scientifically proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child-protective behaviors. The program targets parents, responsible adults, and youth serving organizations (sports leagues, day care centers, after school programs, children’s clubs, church groups, and more). Learn more about Darkness to Light here: www.d2l.org Download their free app, follow them on social media.
* To take the training online, follow the links above. To host a live session of any one of these 6 trainings, contact me if you live in the Metro DC area. If you are outside of this area, the D2L website has a search feature to find facilitators in near you.
Stewards of Children is the only nationally available program scientifically proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child-protective behaviors. The program targets parents, responsible adults, and youth serving organizations (sports leagues, day care centers, after school programs, children’s clubs, church groups, and more). Learn more about Darkness to Light here: www.d2l.org Download their free app, follow them on social media.
* To take the training online, follow the links above. To host a live session of any one of these 6 trainings, contact me if you live in the Metro DC area. If you are outside of this area, the D2L website has a search feature to find facilitators in near you.
Realize what a massive issue porn is for all children (yes, children) and take steps to protect them. We must act on this. Now. The ramifications of porn for both victims and children who have sexual behavior problems are staggering. Go to this site to learn more: https://www.culturereframed.org/
Child Welfare Information Gateway comprehensive information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. They feature the latest on topics from prevention to permanency, including child abuse and neglect, foster care, and adoption. You can find state laws & statutes, hotline numbers and statistics: www.childwelfare.gov/
The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers is an international, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse. Through research, education, and shared learning ATSA promotes evidence based practice, public policy and community strategies that lead to the effective assessment, treatment and management of individuals who have sexually abused or are at risk to abuse. www.atsa.com/
What to do when a teacher is accused of abuse? Download this tipsheet for helpful suggestions.