Primary prevention is designed to address the root cause of a problem, rather than treating a problem that is already present. Education is one of the most important aspects of primary prevention. Harmony Place has a youth sexual violence prevention component that currently offers 3 different programs.:
1. "Child Assault Prevention" Program
2. Teen Dating Violence Prevention (Building Healthy Relationships)
3. Internet Safety
1 out 4 girls and 1 out of 5-7 boys will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18. 70% of the victims knew the perpetrator.
The "Child Assault Prevention" program is a national program designed for children in grades K-5. It is an interactive and attention-grabbing program that teaches children how to preserve their right to feel safe without taking away the rights of others. The program includes role-playing and discussion. The program is being presented in the 2nd grade in Warren County Public Schools as well as in the surrounding counties. If you are interested in volunteering for the C.A.P. program, please contact Katie Lindsay.
Between 10-38% of High School students have reported being in an abusive relationship. Statistically, victims' will experience their first abusive relationship at 15 and abusers will have their first abusive relationship at 15.
The Teen Dating Violence Prevention project is designed to address key attitudes and behaviors (gender stereotypes, communication skills, anger management, feeling identification) associated with dating violence. It focuses on potential victims as well as potential perpetrators of abuse. It is a multi-session curriculum designed and presented by peer educators.
According to a study published in 2006, one in seven youth online received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet.
Sexual solicitations and approaches are requests to engage in sexual activities or sexual talk, or to give personal sexual information, that were unwanted or made by an adult
- 27% of those who solicited youth online asked youth to take sexual pictures of themselves and send them.
- 90% of the sexual solicitations happened to youth ages 13 and older.
- 70% of the sexual solicitations were targeted at girls.
- 41% of unwanted solicitations happened when youth were with friends or peers.
- 56% of the youth who received solicitations did not tell anyone*.
The internet safety presentations address identity theft, online predators, and internet scams. They are offered to anyone who is interested in learning about internet safety for themselves and their children.
For more information, or to schedule a presentation, call our Youth Services Coordinator at 540-635-9194.
*www.NetzSmarts411.org- "The Internet Safety Help Desk"
