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Evaluation of a Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop for Parents of Young Children

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Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of an educational workshop designed to inform parents about childhood sexual abuse (CSA), promote parent-child communication, and help parents create molester-free environments for their children. Forty-seven parents of young children (mean age = 4.6 years) completed preworkshop questionnaires, participated in a 3-hour parent educational workshop led by a CSA prevention expert, and were tested 1 month later. Parents who attended the workshop gained knowledge about CSA and reported increased communication with their children about CSA. This study provided evidence that a relatively brief parent educational program can improve parents’ knowledge and ability to talk with their children about personal safety. Suggestions for future program development and evaluation are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO, 80933-7150, USA

    Sandy K. Wurtele

  2. Clinical Psychology Program, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, USA

    Tasha Moreno

  3. Graduate Program in Counselor Education, Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, Florida International University in Miami, Florida, USA

    Maureen C. Kenny

Authors
  1. Sandy K. Wurtele
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  2. Tasha Moreno
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  3. Maureen C. Kenny
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Correspondence to Sandy K. Wurtele.

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Wurtele, S.K., Moreno, T. & Kenny, M.C. Evaluation of a Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop for Parents of Young Children. Journ Child Adol Trauma 1, 331–340 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1080/19361520802505768

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19361520802505768

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