Sexual Abuse and Molestation Prevention Strategies for California’s Schools
Experts have stated that 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. For schools, these are the children that are being taught in grades kinder through high school. Worse, as many as 60% are abused by people the family trusts. It is disappointing to have to discuss sexual abuse, children and schools in the same context. However, child sexual child abuse is any sexual activity with any person under age 18, such as fondling, oral-genital contact, intercourse, exploitation or exposure to child pornography. Let’s break this down further, I purposefully used “any person under age 18” rather than simply stating “child” because of the obvious. My research has shown that for some adults, even those that may be working at your school, seeing a child as a minor doesn’t always equate to them as a child. For some children, they may even dress and look like adults, demonstrate adult behavior, appear to take on responsible roles as adults or be victims of adultification, that is when parents expose their child(ren) to adult responsibilities, or parentification. The latter occurs when the role of a child is reversed and they are obliged to act as the parent to their own parent or fill the void of an alienating parent’s emotional life.
Regardless of the reason, if persons are under age 18, we must call it what it is - children. And if an adult, which are those 18 and over, are engaging in any type of sexual abuse, molestation or even sexual misconduct with someone under age 18, they are doing so with a child. Make no mistake, this type of adult behavior with children is not only morally inexcusable, it is against the law. This can’t be sugar coated, say it was consensual or that their behavior was adult like simply because children, particularly teens, are acting older at an alarmingly young age.
When I was exploring topics to study, little did I know at the time, that sexual abuse, molestation and sexual misconduct activity between minors and adults would become so widespread when a reasonable person would find this type of activity reprehensible. While there is no one silver bullet to stop adult to child sexual abuse, in this brief blog, I will provide in my opinion, three strategies as an opener in preventing abuse to children by adults. This list is by no means exhaustive, but strategies that should be part of your arsenal.
Strategy #1
Background check. In California, schools should conduct a thorough review of references by someone properly trained to ask questions; next, check for credentials if applicable, with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC); and lastly, fingerprint and use the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure that there are no past violations. In addition, visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (www.nasdtec.net) website to learn how you can conduct an interstate review as well as implement their model code of ethics which can be adapted to fit all certificated, classified and management employees.
Strategy #2
Understand the root cause of how child sexual abuse can occur. Whether it is a boundary crossing of a once healthy adult, often married with children who crossed the line due life challenges at home or a predator aimed at working with or around children for the sole purpose of violating a child through grooming or sexually assaulting them, be aware with your eyes and ears.
Strategy #3
Train, train and train. Once you have ensured that policies are up to date, train on them. Provide each employee their own set of policies upon hire and continue to do so annually, more often if you can. Have them sign an acknowledgment that they have read the policies. Annually, provide training on the topic by someone that can address questions that may arise. In this time of remote learning, a thorough online training can be delivered virtually to one, a few or an entire team. A trained facilitator can oversee the process and handle questions. And lastly, train your students age appropriate, notifying parents of your intent with a parent copy to reinforce what the child is being taught on this subject. Training creates awareness and awareness creates a culture that supports having a safe learning and work environment.
While these strategies are meant to get you started, we at The Karla Rhay Group are here to assist you in developing a plan that will protect your students.