Salem-Keizer Sex Abuse Prevention Workshops Set

For more information call Debbie Joa, Protection & Prevention Coordinator for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, at (503) 399-3061.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Many girls and boys will be sexually abused prior to their 18th birthday. The offenders will typically be someone they already know - perhaps a relative, friend, neighbor or one of the many volunteers and professionals who come in contact with them every day.

Few offenders are caught because they work just as hard deceiving adults as they do seducing and silencing their child victims.

The Salem-Keizer School District is hosting sex abuse prevention training sessions this month to help parents keep their children safe from becoming a victim of sexual abuse.

Workshop topics include:

• Who offends and why.
• Tactics used by offenders.
• Problems with traditional prevention programs.
• Talking to children about sexual abuse.
• Practical child and family rules.
• Responding to sex-abuse disclosures.
• Reporting child sex abuse.
• Addressing the sex offenders living in our community.

Presenters include representatives from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Salem & Keizer Police Departments, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Salem-Keizer School District, Liberty House and Willamette ESD.

The workshop will include video-taped interviews with convicted sex offenders and graphic discussions about sex crimes against children.

Participants with a personal history of abuse should have support people available.

Children and teens may NOT attend the workshop.

Child care will not be provided.

Classes will be held:

Thursday -- 6:30 PM -- at Waldo Middle School -- 2805 Lansing Ave. NE. English and Spanish

Tuesday, 1/15/08 -- 6:00 PM -- at Houck Middle School --1155 Connecticut Ave. SE. English and Spanish

Thursday, 1/24/08 -- 6:00 PM -- at South Salem High School -- 1910 Church St. SE. English and Spanish

For more information call Debbie Joa, Protection & Prevention Coordinator for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, at (503) 399-3061.