Prevention Education is key to ending exploitation!
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IS NOT INEVITABLE
When we create a united front and say ‘no more’; when we educate ourselves and our children that they have a right to control their own bodies; when we teach them how to get help and make sure there are resources they can access, we have a good chance of reducing the sexual exploitation of children and youth.
PREVENTION EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO ENDING EXPLOITATION
Can
adian Red Cross RespectED programs that work toward this end:
c.a.r.e. – This child sexual abuse prevention kit is designed to help schools and community groups teach children aged 5-9 about body ownership, sexual abuse and basic safety rules in a child friendly manner. Teacher training is offered by the Canadian Red Cross.
It’s Not Your Fault – A program for youth aged 11 and up; highly trained volunteers deliver an interactive presentation that covers all forms of child/youth abuse, and talks about where to go for help.
Prevention in Motion is a workshop for adults and organizations that defines different types of abuse, neglect and harassment, their indicators and effects on children and youth.
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Ten Steps to Creating Safe Environments for Children and Youth equips youth-serving organizations to establish safe environments for young people through risk assessment, policy development, codes of conduct, and educational and support services.
Wa
lking the Prevention Circle is a workshop that was developed and is offered in partnership with Aboriginal communities. A disproportionately high number of Canada’s sexually exploited young people are Aboriginal. These youth, their families and their communities require committed, intensive support to find solutions. Offered by highly trained Aboriginal coordinators, Walking the Prevention Circle names the problem and addresses the legacy of hurt that fosters abuse, violence and community breakdown, and helps ad
ults develop strategies to build safer environments for young people.
A Shared Responsibility: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse through Intervention, Protection and Canada’s Laws has been developed with the support of Justice Canada. This one-day workshop defines child sexual abuse and addresses the issues specific to victims and perpetrators, as well as providing an overview of Canada’s laws, and the legal and psycho-social support systems that exist.
Between Worlds: A Practical Map for Intercultural Navigation is an online course designed for managers and practitioners who work in situations where there is potential conflict between people of different cultures and values, attitudes, behaviours and beliefs. While designed to help you better relate to any differing culture, much of the course deals with First Nations in Canada, exploring historical, cultural, social and legal realities.
Be Safe – Using the same child-friendly methods as c.a.r.e., this program is offered in countries outside Canada. Local agencies, parents, children and Red Cross Societies play a key role in both requesting the program and ensuring it is developed and implemented in a culturally-appropriate way that will address the specific needs of the country,
Partnerships
Respect in Sport, a partner with Canadian Red Cross RespectED, has developed a grass-roots tool to help sport and community organizations deliver on their commitment to create a safer environment for all participants.
The Assembly of First Nations and the Canadian Red Cross recently signed a formal agreement to help First Nations communities and individuals be better prepared respond to emergencies and to encourage safer communities.
Contact RespectED in your region to learn more and access these programs!
