NCJ Number
95934
Date Published
1982
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A curriculum designed to teach skills to 4- to 5-year-olds in order to protect them is presented.
Abstract
The curriculum is divided into five lesson plans. Each plan includes activities, discussion questions, and resources, including books and filmstrips. The curriculum emphasizes a child's right to his feelings and his right to say no when a situation feels uncomfortable. The concept of 'private zones' is explored, and assertive behavior is explained. The concept of community support is examined, and the people in the child's own community who can help with a problem are identified. General characteristics of the abused child and the offender are noted: 93 percent of abused children are female, although some research indicates that 50 percent of the victims are male; the children are between 2 and 18 years old; in 75 percent of the cases, children know the offender; and 99 percent of the offenders are male. Myths about the sexual exploitation of children are debunked, including children lying about sexual contact with adults and children being partially responsible for sexual contact with adults. The effects of child abuse are listed, and the most common immediate problems of victims are addressed. Attention is focused on treatment, and on ways to help the child victim. A list of 11 resources is supplied.