PASSAGES, Inc.
PASSAGES, Inc.
When schools, communities, agencies, & families work together,
we really can keep our children safe!
Once per school year, an educator from PASSAGES, Inc. presents a program to all children in the DuBois Area School District. For children in Kindergarten through forth grade, the program focuses on safe and unsafe touches. Children are taught "The Touching Rule" which is defined as Another person should never touch the private parts of our bodies except to keep us clean and healthy. Children learn that private parts are simply the parts of our body that are covered by our swim suits. If someone breaks the touching rule, children should say "no," run away, and tell a grown up. Various age appropriate media forms such as puppets, picture cards and videos are used to help children understand the importance of these concepts.
PASSAGES, Inc. also offers an internet safety program for students in grades 4 and 5. This program helps children be aware of the dangers of using the internet. On-line safety tips are explored and children are warned about giving out personal information when using the internet.
For students in 5th grade, the topic of peer sexual harassment is defined as Any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that makes us feel uncomfortable and may interfere with our ability to learn at school. Students discover that the 4 types of sexual harassment are physical, verbal, written and visual. Along with these types of harassment, students learn what they should and should not do if they are being harassed. Differences between teasing, joking and bullying are explored through the use of examples. Finally, the consequences of engaging in sexual harassment in the school setting are discussed.
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HOW CAN PARENTS KEEP THEIR CHILDREN SAFE FROM SEXUAL ABUSE?
Begin talking about safety at an early age. Just as we teach our children to look both ways before crossing the street and to wear a helmet when riding a bike, we also need to teach children rules about personal body safety. Talk openly and honestly with your child and make sure they know they can talk to you about anything.
Make it a special point to:
~ Talk about the names for private body parts. This allows children to have the
"language" to talk about sexual abuse.
~ Take the time to listen carefully to your child and show that you are open to
whatever he or she wants to share.
~ Repeat "The Touching Rule" over and over. Don't make it a "one time only"
discussion.
Make sure your child knows:
* Most touching is safe. Some touching is UNSAFE.
* It is NOT their fault if someone touches their private body parts.
* Children should NEVER keep secrets about touching.
* It is never to late to tell. Children should keep telling until someone
believes them.
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More information about indicators of sexual abuse & what to do if your child has been abused is available by contacting PASSAGES, Inc.
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PASSAGES Inc. also provides FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services to victims and survivors of sexual violence. Services are also available for friends and family members. Services provided include:
~ 24 Hour CRISIS Hotline...1-800-793-3620
~ Individual and group counseling
~ Medical accompaniment
~ Legal advocacy through the entire legal process
~ Volunteer training
~ Information and referral
~ Professional in-service training
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If you would like more information, contact PASSAGES, Inc. at
90 Beaver Drive
Suite 212 D
DuBois, PA 15801
814-371-9677
1-800-793-3620