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SCHOOL BASED PROGRAM
The School Based Program
In 1982-1983, responding to the growing number of child victims reported to our agency and the harmful effects resulting from sexual assaults, NOVA developed personal safety education programs for students of all ages: Preschool through adult education. Statistically, the agency was seeing younger and younger victims each year.
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We also recognized that nationally, it is estimated that 1 out of every 4 girls and 1 out of every 6 boys will be a victim of sexual abuse by the age of 18. Ninety-three percent of offenders are someone the child already knows.
These statistics, along with the serious and often long lasting harmful effects resulting from sexual abuse, spurred our efforts in the education program project. If, it was reasoned, NOVA could prevent just one child from becoming a victim then our endeavor would be worth while. Through our personal safety program we were able to reach out and identify child victims and obtain help for them. The key is early intervention, the means is education. Reinforcing the student curriculum, NOVA designed additional programs for parents, teachers and all other school staff. Experience has shown student programs are more effective when parents and teachers have also had educational presentations.
The goals of the school program are:
1. Early identification of victims 2. Risk reduction of sexual assault/victimization 3. Reinforcement of strong life skills such as refusal skills, communication skills, assertive skills, creative problem solving skills and resource building skills
Through our education programs, myths and misconceived attitudes are dispelled allowing for greater understanding of victimization. Sexual assault is addressed as a safety issue, not sex education, because it has clearly been identified by our society as a crime. Presenters are taught to explain the concepts calmly and matter of factly without instilling fear or rigidity.
All school programs are structured according to the maturity level of the audience and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any group.
