“Darkness to Light” Training to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

The Providence St. Peter Sexual Assault Clinic, in conjunction with the Monarch Children’s Justice & Advocacy Center, will provide a free training class Thursday, November 21.

“Darkness to Light” training sessions will help adults learn how to recognize, prevent and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

The evidence-based training is organized by the Darkness to Light Foundation. Snacks will be provided.

The program includes:

• An interactive workbook and a 7 Steps Guide for each participant containing the full program curriculum
• An accompanying 1 ¼ hour VHS/DVD integrating segments of sexual abuse survivors relating their stories of violation and healing, with segments from the author of the curriculum and from professionals who interface daily with the problem of sexual abuse
• Opportunity for discussion about important issues in sexual abuse prevention and the relevance of these issues within organizations that serve children and adolescents.

After training participants will:

• Understand the facts of child sexual abuse – incidence rates and effects on individuals and society
• Understand how child sexual abuse happens
• Understand that adults are responsible for the protection of children
• Understand the importance of screening staff/volunteers who work with children and adolescents
• Understand the importance of a well-conceived one-adult/one-child policy
• Have resources to react responsibly to incidents of child sexual abuse
• Understand the proactive role youth-serving organizations need to take to protect children and educate their communities about child sexual abuse

Group training available

Any group of 10 or more which would like personalized training can contact the Sexual Assault Clinic to arrange for it. Call the clinic at 360-493-7469 for more information about this service.