FT. WASHINGTON, MD, June 27, 2012 - One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. In 90% of those cases, the abuser is someone the child knows and trusts. The reality is horrific, but there is momentum towards changing the way our community protects each and every child. Today, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington and Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks announced a new partnership for prevention. With a five- year goal to educate 43,000 adults in Prince George's County, Darkness to Light's evidence-based training will create widespread awareness about how to recognize, prevent, and react to child sexual abuse. This partnership is a vital step towards building a safer, more interconnected community. [...]
The nationally-recognized Stewards of Children training emphasizes that preventing child sexual abuse is an adult responsibility. A six-year old is not equipped with the life skills to fend off sexual advances from an adult relative, or even recognize them for what they are. Yet, the statistics show that adults aren't bearing the load. By training 43,000 adults in Prince George's County by 2017, the Y and State's Attorney Alsobrooks will educate and empower 5% of the population - the tipping point for igniting behavior change. Continue reading
