Child Sexual Abuse (how to help)
Retrospective research indicates that as many as 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. In 2015 in Ventura County, about 9-10% of child abuse reports were regarding sexual abuse. Many children do not reveal past abuse until they feel safe; therefore, caregivers are sometimes the first to learn that a child has been sexually abused. Being educated about sexual abuse and healthy sexual development in children will help you identify behaviors associated with sexual abuse and gain confidence in supporting a child. Learn about child sexual abuse, grooming, how children are impacted, as well as strategies for prevention, communication, and the healing process.
Presenter:
Joanne Marrs, MA, AMFT – Joanne graduated from Antioch University in Seattle and is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Kids & Families Together. Joanne has been working with children and families involved in the child welfare system for the past eight years providing therapeutic support from a trauma-informed and attachment-focused approach. Joanne is also a trainer for the Pre-Service Training Program for Resource Family Approval at Kids & Families Together, facilitates support groups, and presents at various community trainings.
