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by Maria Jackson
This post was written by Maria Jackson (pictured above) who is a part of the Tell Them SWARM Council and cross posted from the following: blog.tellthemsc.org/2011/10/shocking-statistic-leads-to-prevention-ideas/
As a volunteer and mentor at a local after school program, I took a 2.5 hour Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training geared towards stewards of children this weekend. It was startling and insightful. The statistics on sexual abuse are grim and depressing; it is so much more prevalent than I thought. This one in particular struck me:
More than 60% of teen first pregnancies are preceded by experience of molestation, rape, or attempted rape.
It is astounding, complex, and eye-opening that all aspects of sexual health and understanding are so connected, isn’t it? It is sickening that children being preyed upon today later correlates with their likelihood to experience a teen pregnancy. It is sickening that either occur so prevalently in our world.
However, the training did not leave me with complete hopelessness. As an advocate of comprehensive sex education, my wheels started turning about how we, as a society, could prevent sexual abuse and teen pregnancy among our youth. The greatest aspect of comprehensive sex education is that it focuses on being age appropriate and expansive. While younger children learn about the correct terminology for their body parts, they can also talk about what is and is not appropriate touch. While older children learn about methods to protect their bodies from pregnancy and STIs, they will also learn about meaningful ways to give and withhold consent, and how to recognize and honor those wishes. Comprehensive sex education that focuses on preventing STIs and teen pregnancy absolutely works in tandem with healthy relationships and emotional/ physical protection from others.
This is one of many important ways that age appropriate, comprehensive sex education works with so many other important issues that need to be addressed in today’s society in regards to our youth’s health and safety. When youth feel comfortable talking about sexuality in an age appropriate, meaningful way, they are in a better position to assert their rights and talk to others when they do have questions about their bodies and lives.
To find more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month: dvam.vawnet.org/about/index.php
My current project is a similar book Talk About Touch: Alaska, which is set in a rural village. The parents (and grandmother) are involved in teaching prevention. The illustrator is delivering the final illustration, today. This is the website. http://www.heartworksak.net/touch-alaska/
Sandy Kleven, LCSW