NCJ Number
129612
Date Published
1990
Length
378 pages
Annotation
An alternative approach to child sexual abuse prevention (CSAP), known as the Prevention, Reduction, and Identification of Sexual Misuse (PRISM), is detailed.
Abstract
The PRISM program promotes the development of a healthy and normal sexuality throughout childhood and adolescence and avoids negative connotations provided to children by most CSAP programs. The PRISM program acknowledges the emerging consensus that coping and growing are intimately related to competency and self-efficacy. Thus, the PRISM program promotes the development of social competencies and problem-solving skills so that children confronted with sexually abusive situations will know how to respond and will have the self-confidence to implement what they have been taught. The PRISM program is recommended over current CSAP models that are based on personal prejudices, opinions, or beliefs and reinforced by pseudo-scientific program evaluations. Following an overview of CSAP programs, attention is focused on the history and theory of primary prevention, issues in child development, prevention programs and education practice, and the dynamics of child sexual abuse. The PRISM program is detailed in terms of its conceptual foundations, effectiveness, concepts and technology, implementation, and evaluation. It is recommended that the ability of children to comprehend sexual misuse concepts and to participate in prevention be linked to developmental concepts. For elementary-age children, awareness and acceptance of their own sexuality will affect their ability to recognize an improper sexual advance. Their vulnerability to sexual misuse will depend on their self-esteem, ability to solve problems, and the extent to which dependency and affectional needs are met. For junior and high school youth, sexuality will generally be expressed through an acceptance and awareness of their sexual and affectional needs. 361 references, 1 table, and 1 figure