Group Aims to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

The Virginia Department of Health says one in four girls and one in five boys in the state are victims of sexual assault. It's a topic that makes many people so uncomfortable that they choose to avoid the problem. But a group of healthcare workers, advocates, victims and former offenders are trying to educate others to help prevent child sexual abuse.

"I remember feeling like a rag doll I had no control. It was almost like I was up on the ceiling watching what was happening," recalled Keith*.

It's taken Keith years to come to terms with the abuse he suffered as a child, but he's come forward in the hopes that others can learn from his past, joining other victims, treatment providers and a former offender in an honest discussion of childhood sexual assault.

The former offender Mark* shared, "I knew what I was doing was wrong and in so doing, I didn't want to be caught even by the victim. I was very good a rationalizing and denying that what I was doing did not cause any harm."

The panel's discussion was just one part of a workshop designed to help others understand recognize and prevent sexual abuse. "What we're asking is that the adults in the community get involved and that the adults in the room start to work harder about preventing child sexual abuse," explained clinician Sarah Lewis.

Lewis helps victims deal with the ramifications of sexual assault. She says the best prevention is proactive, not just dealing with abuse after it's happened, but reaching out to potential abusers before they act on inappropriate urges.

She said, "Until now, we really have not had anything fill the niche of what do we do if someone feels that they are tempted to touch a child inappropriately or what do we do if we notice someone being inappropriate with a child?"

The Virginia Department of Health Runs "Stop It Now", a helpline to guide people who suspect child sexual abuse even if it's just a gut feeling. Potential offenders can also call to get help before they do something wrong.

If you suspect or want to prevent child sexual abuse, you can call the Stop It Now hotline at 1-888-PREVENT (773-8368).

Reported by Claire O'Brien