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Publication Date: Friday, April 09, 2004 Stopping child sex abuse
Stopping child sex abuse
(April 09, 2004) Forum slated to keep children from risky situations
by Teresa C. Brown
Sexual abuse is a bigger problem than most people care to admit.
"We all likely know a victim, even if a survivor," said Jill Buck, PTA Council president.
The numbers can be more alarming: One in four girls and one of six boys may be a victim of sexual abuse by the time they are 18 years old, she said. But to stop the abuse is an adult responsibility.
With this responsibility in mind, a free forum, "Preventing Child Sexual Abuse from Preschool to High School," will be held April 24 to address sexual abuse issues and help all Tri-Valley adults learn what to do to prevent it.
Co-hosted by the Pleasanton PTA, the Pleasanton Unified School District and the Pleasanton Police Department, the forum includes a panel of experts who will discuss multiple subjects that every parent should know.
"Given the right information, parents can keep their child out of many risky situations," Buck said. "That's really what we're trying to do with the forum, to help responsible adults to learn skills and information they need to keep their kids safe."
The program includes a 90-minute to two-hour general session and a break-out session targeting specific issues for parents of children in pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school.
Panelists from the Police Department will explain Megan's Law as well as citizens' rights and responsibilities.
A Tri-Valley Haven representative will discuss date rape. Ginni Ring, a representative from Calico Center (Child Abuse Listening Interviewing Coordination Center), an Alameda County agency that specializes in handling child abuse cases, will talk about what an adult should do if he or she suspects a child is being abused, Buck said.
Other presenters include a therapist, child psychologist and a representative of the Child Abuse Prevention Agency.
"These are all people who volunteered their time and service to put on a fantastic and informative forum," Buck said, adding that it is open to all Tri-Valley parents, as well as teachers. "This is not a problem that can be solved in a vacuum. We have to have as many responsible adults as possible to keep eyes out for kids."
Some of the topics will include:
¥ Vocabulary and starting a dialogue
¥ Abduction fears
¥ Avoiding risky situations for children
¥ Recognizing if a child is a victim
¥ What parents can do to keep children safe
¥ How parents can identify perpetrators
Parents teach children what to do to prevent sex abuse, but it is not a child's job, Buck said. "(Children) are vulnerable and young and that's why they are victims of sexual abuse. This forum is one step, hopefully the first of many, to keeping the children of our area safe."
"The bottom line is it is not on kids," Buck said. "It is on every responsible adult."
Learn about abuse
What: "Preventing Child Sexual Abuse from Preschool to High School"
When: 1-4 p.m., Saturday, April 24
Where: Pleasanton Presbyterian Church, 4300 Mirador Drive
Pre-registration: Required by April 19
Child care: YMCA licensed care available for $10 per child; pre-register by April 14
Register: www.pleasantonpta.org/forumregistration.html
Information: PTA Council at 846-3257
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