How to Prevent Child Abuse
Since 2018, one of CAC’s most impactful services has been its prevention programs, which each year help protect thousands of local children. In our society, prevention of child sexual abuse is something we rarely talk about with our kids. Yet, we need to. These programs fill that silence by providing age-appropriate education for children and teens, along with training for adults who live, work or volunteer with youth.
Classes are led by experienced, specially trained instructors who complete ongoing professional development to stay current on emerging threats to children’s and teens’ sexual safety at home, in schools, within organizations and online. Participants learn how to reduce risk, recognize warning signs, report abuse and support children on their paths to safety and healing.
Prevention Education for Children
What ages does CAC reach
More than ten thousand children in preschool through high school participate annually in age-appropriate classes.
Where are classes taught
Free classes are currently offered in nearly every school district in Berrien County. Through our fundraising efforts, we are expanding this outreach to include every school, including area private, parochial and religious-based schools, from preschool through high school. Classes are taught in one classroom at a time, never in large groups. This makes it easier for the instructor to build trust with the children or teens and for the students to be comfortable participating in the activities and asking questions.
Our prevention and outreach supervisor works with school administrators to provide any documentation they need on what is taught at each grade level, schedule classes and inform parents of curriculum content.
What age- and grade-appropriate topics are covered
The CAC uses a nationally acclaimed curriculum that talks about:
A child’s body safety rights
Three distinct kinds of touch: safe, not sure and not safe
How to identify safe adults
When and how to get help from safe adults
We also address children’s rights to be free from bullying and the importance of not bullying others, along with dating safety, online and digital safety, video safety, child trafficking and other key topics.
Curriculum:
How does the instructor approach each class
Talking about abuse doesn’t have to be scary. Each class is friendly and engaging, with age-appropriate conversations, interactive activities and time for questions. Our instructors reinforce a clear message: adults are always responsible for children’s safety.
Students are encouraged to keep an open mind, especially teens who may feel they already know it all, because a clear understanding of what is and isn’t sexual or physical abuse is powerful and protective.
CAC instructors also recognize that students come from different cultures, values and perspectives. Our common ground is that all children must be safe. So, they create a learning environment rooted in kindness and respect, where everyone can learn and share, even when opinions differ.
Do these prevention classes make a difference
There is no single data point that captures the full impact of these classes. What we do know is that each year, 30 to 50 students disclose abuse to a CAC prevention instructor and are referred for help and services. Forensic interviewers and therapists also report that children often use the language learned in CAC classes to describe their bodies, boundaries and abuse experiences. These classes are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent abuse, protect children and support healing in our community.
Can parents opt their children out of attending CAC prevention classes
Yes. You will receive information about the classes ahead of time. We encourage parents to review the curriculum and dig into what is being taught so they don’t jump to conclusions. These are not sex education classes. The courses focus solely on giving children the knowledge, understanding and tools to prevent or report abuse. Call us if you have questions or concerns at 269-556-9640.
Prevention Education for Adults
All adults in our community have a responsibility to protect the children in their lives. The best way to do this is know how to recognize signs of child abuse and react responsibly.
Who can attend trainings and professional development classes
Any adult over 18 years who interacts with children. Our classes are customized for parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors, school administrators, medical, law enforcement and legal professionals, youth organization staff, clergy, church members, civic organizations and caring people from the community.
What topics are covered
The courses provide key information about sexual, physical and online abuse; children’s body safety rights; child protection legislation; how to report abuse and how to support child victims of abuse and their families. Most courses are two hours and are taught in small groups to make it easier to interact and ask questions. They are free or available for a small fee.
Trainings/Professional Development Courses
Darkness to Light – Stewards of Children 2.0 (SCECHS available)
Recognizing and Reporting Abuse (Michigan Mandated Reporters)
You May be the Only One to Notice: Human Trafficking Awareness
CAC 101 – Who We Are and What We Do
Protecting Children in a Digital World (Online Safety for Caregivers)
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the generous contributions of the following organizations and foundations that help fund our prevention programs. Please support their work in our community. Your individual donations and attending our special events is also deeply appreciated.
