The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) suggests that exposure to trauma can pose negative lifetime consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019 that childhood trauma such as abuse and neglect can increase risk factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues and disease. Kentucky State University recognizes the importance of creating sustainable communities. One such way is collaborating with community organizations to teach resilience and address risk factors associated with abuse and neglect. Kentucky State University recognizes the importance and wider impact that community collaborations and partnerships can make. Therefore, they encourage and support the work that healthier sustainable communities. 

One such partnership that they support is by allowing Area Agent III, Carla Jordan to chair the Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel. Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA), section 106 (c) requires each state to have at least one Citizen Review Panel. Kentucky has three panels; one of which is the Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel that covers 10 counties. The CRPs are directed to evaluate state child welfare agencies and make recommendations for improvement in child protective services. Panel can also participate in activities that reduce the risk of abuse and neglect. 

On March 22, 2019, the Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel held its annual Conversation on Collaboration. The Conversation on Collaboration theme focused on Strengthening of Communities: All Hands In. The event was held from 8:30am until 4:00pm and included a resource fair and parenting presentations. Participants received information that will likely aid in preventing abuse and neglect. 

Child sexual abuse is a serious problem that affects all communities. There are 42 million survivors of sexual abuse living in the United States. In fact, research states that 1 in 10 children will be the victims of sexual abuse by the age of 18 and alarmingly, ninety percent of children know their abusers (Darkness to Light 2019). Research shows that people who are sexually violated as children are far more likely to experience psychological problems often lasting into adulthood, including post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, suicide, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, school dropout and relationship problems (Darkness to Light 2019).

In an effort to reduce these disheartening facts, the Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review supports Darkness to Light in their belief that learning the facts about childhood sexual abuse helps prevent it. Therefore, the panel solicited Suzanne Lee of Kentucky River Foothills a trained facilitator of the Stewards of Children Curriculum to facilitate a 60-minute training on child sexual abuse prevention at the Conversation on Collaboration. Mrs. Lee presented a modified version of the evidence-based prevention tool, Stewards of Children, developed by Darkness to Light. Sixty-Four participants watched a video followed by an engaging discussion. They learned practical steps to prevent child sexual abuse including:

• Step 1: Learn the Facts
• Step 2: Minimize the opportunity
• Step 3: Talk about IT
• Step 4: Recognize the Signs
• Step 5: React Responsibly

After receiving the information many participants indicated that they “learned so much from this presentation!” One participant stated, “from now on, I will begin speaking to my children about proper names for body parts. She also expressed that she will talk to them about keeping their bodies safe and telling if “anyone, including dad, auntie or uncle touched them and made them feel uncomfortable.” Another participant stated that he will no longer believe that people with religious affiliations or people that are involved in groups that are supposed to care for his children will actually care for them and not harm them.” He commits to being more cautious with who is around his child. Consequently, Mrs. Lee’s presentation will more likely reduce the risk of child sexual abuse because participants indicated that they would begin implementing the steps into their personal lives. This will hugely affect all individuals or their lifespan, especially because it reduces the amount of trauma and decreases the risks risk factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues and disease that are associated with trauma. 

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Adverse Childhood Experiences. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/index.html 

Darkness to Light (2019). Darkness to Light: End Child Sexual Abuse: Retrieved from https://www.d2l.org/the-issue/statistics/