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If It Happens to You ... Coping Strategies for Sexual Abuse

NCJ Number
98816
Author(s)
C Vanderslice; C Yrum-Calenti
Date Published
1985
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This filmstrip, with accompanying audio cassette narration, uses vignettes to present some of the child sexual assault/molestation issues most common to the intermediate school student and offers step-by step directions for self-protection.
Abstract
The vignettes present the following situations: (1) a man caressing the babysitter, commenting on her attractiveness, and offering her extra money; (2) an uncle inviting his nephew to watch a sex film on video; (3) a friend of the family coming uninvited into a young girl's bedroom at night; and (4) an adult neighbor inappropriately touching a boy during a neighborhood football game. Part 1 of the presentation draws the following lessons from the vignettes: (1) children are not to blame if they become victims of a molestation or attempted molestation, (2) children have the right to act in their own best interest, (3) children should pay attention to their feelings and level of discomfort in determining the appropriateness of a touch by anybody. Part 2 uses the vignettes to demonstrate self-protection techniques. Viewers are instructed to be assertive with the molester by telling him to stop the offensive behavior. The children in the vignettes are also shown learning to handle various distractions molesters may devise. Children are instructed always to tell a responsible adult about a molestation or attempted molestation. Finally, the filmstrip discusses how to help a friend who has been assaulted.