Systems and Practices to Prevent Student Victimization Vince Leonardo, Police Captain Diane Leonardo, School Administrator Clovis, California

PhysicalSexual Emotional & VerbalNeglect Types of Abuse

Child Abuse Prevention and Protection Plans

Symbaloo (relevant resources)

Sexual Abuse “Any sexual act with a child performed by an adult or an older child."

Sexual Abuse Any form of sexual activity imposed upon a child by an adult or other child in a position of power, authority, or influence. Child sexual abuse can involve touching the intimate parts of a child’s body, enticing or forcing the child to have sexual relations, or participating in non-touching offenses, such as obscene phone calls or taking/exposing them to pornographic photos.

Signs of Sexual Abuse Physical signs of sexual abuse are not common, although redness, swelling in the genital area, urinary tract infections, or other such symptoms should be carefully investigated. Also, physical issues associated with anxiety, such as chronic stomach pain or headaches, may occur. Physical signs Emotional or behavioral signals are more common. These can run from "too perfect" behavior, to withdrawal and depression, to unexplained anger and rebellion. Emotional or behavioral signals Sexual behavior and language that are not age-appropriate can be a red flag. MANY children show no signs whatsoever.

Six Components of School-Based Child Prevention and Protection Plans Protecting our Students Hiring Practices Reporting Policies Staff Education Student Education Family Education School Policies - Environment

Law Enforcement Partnerships Who are your Local Law Enforcement Partners? What Child Advocacy Agencies are available to you? How do they operate in relation to your school? Is anyone from these agencies on your current team?

1 in 4 girls will be sexually abused before turning 18 years old. 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before turning 18 years old.

Children are most vulnerable between ages Abuse typically occurs within a long-term, on- going relationship between the offender and victim, escalates over time and lasts an average of four years. Many child sexual abuse victims never disclose their abuse to anyone. Less than 10% of child sexual abuse is reported to the police.

“Molesters Do Not Wear an Ugly Mask. They Wear A Shield of Trust.” - Patty Rase Hopson

93% of sexual assault victims know their attacker !!!

From the mouths of offenders: Gained access to children through caretaking, NOT threatening, bullying etc. Gained families’ trust by building ADULT relationships, by endearing themselves to the family, and by creating increased opportunities to interact with both children and adults Gained childrens’ trust through gifts, bribes, games, common experiences (movies, sports) They SYSTEMATICALLY desensitized students Over 40% had been victimized themselves

Hiring Practices Criminal background checks In-person interviews Reference checks : Personal, Professional, Past, Present Ongoing observation

School Policies & Environment Visibility Policies eliminating one-on-one situations between children and adults. – Classrooms – Athletic Events – Transportation – Offsite activity guidelines Access Control Environmental Design of all buildings

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Staff, Student and Family Education PREVENTION & RESPONSE Staff: School policies, legal mandates, Recognition/Red Flags, Response protocols Families: Communication, Awareness, Talking with their children Students: Body awareness, Refusal skills, Awareness Skills, Communication Skills.

Recommended Resources Stewards of Children (D2L) Child Safe Stop It Now Talking about Touching Safe Empowered Child

Leadership Matters Administrators and Board Members must assess their current child protection policies, procedures and practices to develop a comprehensive strategy for their school or Organization IMPLEMENTATION of that strategy is dependent on the Leaders commitment and priorities.

Child Abuse Prevention and Protection Plans