Community Education

Public Education…

There is a need for public education efforts regarding the magnitude of sex abuse. Public education has helped effect change in the use of illicit drugs, corporal punishment, the use of seat belts, smoking and driving while under influence of alcohol. Public information messages can reshape the environment that influences and guides personal choice. Public education can promote the idea that sexual assault is everyone’s responsibility and can alter the normative standards, eliminate tolerance for sexual assault and confusion over what society condones as appropriate interaction. Eliminating sexual assault should not fall upon the shoulders of a potential victim, but rather upon the potential perpetrator.

Orange Junior Woman's Club assembling sock puppets puppets for Pre-K children .

Students also receive a booklet, What Every Parent Should Know! An Informational Guide for Talking to Your Child about Personal Safety." The booklet reviews the material presented in the classroom, gives parents tips on talking to their children about personal safety, a resource list and helpful websites for questions about the Internet. To request a counselor to speak to your class or group of children between the ages of 4 and 9, call the Erin McLeod, Community Educator, 203-874-8712.

Sexual Harassment and Bullying …Grades 6, 7 and 8

Students learn how to recognize the signs of harassment and what they can do to put a stop to it. The act of harassment is broken down into verbal, non-verbal and physical, elaborating on the various types of behavior considered to be harassment. The counselor explains how students are protected in school from being a target of sexual harassment and the school’s legal responsibility to end harassing behavior.A short video that demonstrates the various types of harassing behavior and how quickly it can escalate if not reported is shown at the end of the session for reinforcement. As with the younger children, the counselor stresses that the victim is not at fault.

Sexual Assault…Grades 8 through 12

The lessons are designed to teach students that sexual assault is much broader than commonly thought. The counselor discusses date/acquaintance vs. stranger sexual assault, male and female victims, the power derived by the perpetrator, and the importance of not blaming the victim. Connecticut laws are discussed in detail with attention to the definition of consent and sexual assault. The services of the Rape Crisis Center are also discussed and students are given the hotline telephone number to be used as a resource.

Internet Safety...Grades 6 through 12

Although the Internet can be a useful tool for students to gather information for school projects and chat with friends, it can also be dangerous if not used in the proper way.Students are taught about how the Internet can be a tool for harassment as well. The Community Educator stresses safety rules---never post pictures of yourself or friends; never post the town or school you attend, your age, your last name or friends' names. Websites like myspace.com and friendster are discussed as potential sites for harassment and on-line perpetrators to seek out children. Appropriate things for students to include in an on-line profile are discussed. The Community Educator stresses that the student should never place themselves or friends at risk

- - - A final note--- The students are reminded that whatever they put on the computer becomes public information that can be used by employers or colleges when considering an applicant.

Primary Prevention…Grades 8 through 12

Life skills training for young adults may reduce their experimentation with sexual exploitation of younger children. A study of adolescent offenders found that empathy for peers was a strong protective factor to prevent exploitive behavior.

The Primary Prevention curriculum, taught by the Center's Community Educator, focuses on skills associated with anger control and the development of positive relationships. The counselor guides students through the curriculum materials and offers a model of non-aggressive behavior. The format allows for an open exchange of information and ideas that may not be voiced in the regular classroom with everyday instructors.

The program begins with a survey to determine students’ views on anger and violence, followed by discussions on the positive and negative aspects of anger; stereotypes; media images of men, women and violence; communication and problem solving; tolerance; healthy relationships; and sexual assault. Students participate in a post-program survey to measure changes in attitude.

The success of the Primary Prevention curriculum in Milford has been cited by both educators and parents as a “program that fostered an attitude of respect and tolerance for all members of our diverse community.”

To receive an outline of the Primary Prevention curriculum or to schedule a counselor to speak to your students, call Melissa Jennings at the Center.

Click here for Resources

Student's Survey---
If you are a high school student and have completed a lesson with the Center,
Click on the link below to take the survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=567471443034

If you are a middle school student and have completed a lesson with the Center,
Click on the link below to take the survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=827751436939

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Teacher Survey---
If you are a pre-k, k, 2nd or 4th grade teacher and your class has completed
a prevention lesson with the Center,
Click on the link below to take survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=483211440056

HIGH SCHOOL

Teacher Survey---
If you are a middle or high school teacher and your class has completed
a prevention lesson with the Center,
Click on the link below to take survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=118741760052