S.A.F.E. Training (Sexual Awareness Family Education)

(This training is available free of charge for the community upon request)

The statistics on the number of children who experience sexual abuse is alarming. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys report unwanted sexual contact before the age of 18. However, due to the fact that it is extremely underreported, more likely statistics are 1 in 2 girls and 1 in 3 boys. While these numbers are horrifying, there are precautions parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk of their child experiencing this all too common ACE. Many people associate sexual abuse with “stranger danger” and a “creepy guy” lurking in the bushes. However, this is not usually the case. 93% of children who experience sexual abuse know and trust their abuser, as do their parents.

In an effort to educate people and reduce the number of children who experience sexual abuse, Peace4Tarpon and Juliana Menke from Suncoast Center teamed up to present S.A.F.E. (Sexual Awareness Family Education) Training to parents, caregivers and community members. This training provides information on types of sexual abuse, red flag behaviors to be aware of and how to speak up if you notice something isn’t right. There are three key components for parents and caregivers to be aware of:

  1. Know the red flag behavior: Child molesters use specific behaviors, learn to spot them!
  2. The Gut Instinct: Trust this feeling, test this by reviewing the red flag behaviors with a trusted and informed friend or family member
  3. How to take action: You can take action without making an accusation

Some of the red flag behaviors identified include adults who want alone time with a child, having secrets with children, abuse of power, position and privilege, grooming, blurring roles and sexualizing children. Speaking up and teaching children it is okay to speak up is paramount.

Talking with children about healthy sexuality is a life-long conversation, including teaching them to respect and honor personal boundaries. Child sexual abuse is a traumatic event that can have lasting effects on individuals.  This training is meant to help educate individuals and reduce the risk to your child.

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Alpha UMi

(Available to community groups and not for profits free of charge – min. group size of 15)

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Alpha UMi Inc. is a curriculum development firm responsible for developing a host of training solutions for in-person and online settings. Their products are focused on the qualities that job training often overlooks, such as soft skills and the importance of a positive corporate culture. Alpha UMi not only offers ready-made training for businesses and colleges, but offers tailor-made training suited to whatever needs the client in question may have.