They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and there are few situations where that is more poignant than when dealing with child sexual abuse.
This week will mark the first locally facilitated training courses in preventing abuse offered in Prince George.
The three-hour sessions are hosted by Little Warriors, a national charitable organization with a focus on educating adults on how to prevent child sexual abuse. The group is offering the internationally recognized Stewards of Children workshop Feb. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m.
"We've had lots of success with it, so it's great because the more people can talk about it, the more awareness is created," said Shannon Phelan, who handles community relations for the Edmonton-based organization.
The Stewards of Children workshop - developed by an American organization called Darkness to Light - educates adults to help prevent, recognize and react to child's sexual abuse. While they recognize the impossibility of completely preventing any child from being sexually abused, the Little Warriors group wants to reach as many people as possible.
"That is our mandate. The more people are talking about this, the more tools parents and educators have to equip children to spot someone that's preying on them or to recognize that gut feeling," said Phelan, noting the importance of not waiting until kids are older to educate them.
"We really want to educate people to be really aware of the stats. One in three girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday, so our focus is, let's prevent that," she said.
Phelan said the workshops are ideal for anyone who interacts with children, be that police officers, teachers, camp counsellors and especially parents, regardless of whether or not their life has already been affected by child sexual abuse.
"We want you to take this course so you are aware of it and it doesn't happen in your family. Because it can happen to any family of any race, of any ethnic background, of any socio-economic status," said Phelan. "It's out there, it's happening at the neighbour's house, in our churches, in our scout groups."
Although Little Warriors only has a small staff, their outreach has allowed for a local resident to be trained to facilitate the program.
"We'll be offering ongoing sessions in Prince George because we have a
facilitator residing there," Phelan said.
The workshops, which will also be held Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon and April 28 from 1 to 4 p.m., are hosted by the Child Care Resource and Referral and Elizabeth Fry Society at the Family YMCA. Register online at www.littlewarriors.ca or call 1-888-440-1343. The cost is $30 per person or $25 per person for groups. Each participant receives a manual, handbook and certificate.
