U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Evaluation of a School-Based Sexual Abuse Prevention Program: Cognitive and Emotional Effects

NCJ Number
108881
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 497-506
Author(s)
R L Binder; D E McNiel
Date Published
1987
Length
506 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated a school-based child sexual abuse prevention program, and the findings support the value of providing sexual abuse prevention programs to children.
Abstract
Questionnaires regarding the children's knowledge about sexual abuse prevention and level of emotional distress were administered to 88 children, ages 5-12, and 60 parents before and after the program. Additionally, questionnaires were completed by 12 teachers about the children's level of emotional distress within 2 weeks after the program. In comparing the children's knowledge before and after the program, significant increases in knowledge about strategies for coping with potential abuse situations were shown. Also, individual children's responses were compared with their parents' responses. As a result of the program, parents reported a more accurate appraisal of their children's knowledge and a significant increase in conversation with their children about sexual abuse. In terms of possible adverse emotional effects of the program, neither teachers nor parents noticed signs of increased emotional distress. In addition, the children reported that the program made them feel safer and better able to protect themselves. 4 tables and 22 notes and references. (Author abstract modified)