Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse: Enlisting Parents in Education – 10/20/2020

Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse: Enlisting Parents in Education

Presenter: Maureen C. Kenny, PhD, Florida International University
Moderator: Amy Damashek, Ph.D., Western Michigan University

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a form of child maltreatment that involves children in sexual activity for the sexual gratification or financial benefit to the perpetrator. Whether perpetrated by adults or teenagers, sexual abuse involves the exploitation of children’s naïveté and trust. Although estimates vary depending on the participant sample and definition of sexual abuse used, most studies indicate a high frequency of CSA in the United States and globally. Prevention of sexual abuse should occur on many levels—community, schools and family. Parents play a particularly important role in educating their children about sexual abuse. This training will review the many ways in which parents can ensure a safe environment for their children and how they can become more aware of CSA. Emphasis will be placed on several actions in which parents can engage. Research related to prevention programming and parental communication will be infused. The information in this workshop will be helpful to those who work with families as well as those interested in childhood sexual trauma.

Learning Goals:
1. Recognize signs of childhood sexual abuse.
2. List parents’ barriers to sexuality discussions with their children.
3. Select appropriate strategies to help parents keep their youth safe from sexual abuse

Recording

Reading List

Slides

Extra Resources

Check out “The A-B-Cs of S-E-X: Three Ways to Go Beyond ‘The Talk’” now!

Dr. Kenny is a Professor of Counselor Education at Florida International University (FIU) in the Department of Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology. She has published extensively in the area of child maltreatment, with a specific focus on child sexual abuse, prevention and treatment and diverse populations. Her work also addresses the issue of mandatory child maltreatment among professionals. Dr. Kenny is a Fellow of Division 37 of the APA.

Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association Division 53, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SCCAP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. For registration questions, contact Lynn Canty.