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A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics offers compelling evidence that coordinated, community-wide education efforts can drastically reduce child sexual abuse rates. Conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester’s Mt. Hope Family Center in collaboration with Pennsylvania State University and New York University, the study tracked the effectiveness of educational interventions in five Pennsylvania counties. The findings show a 17 percent decrease in substantiated child sexual abuse cases and a 34 percent reduction in unsubstantiated cases compared to counties that did not receive the interventions.
The need for effective prevention efforts is critical, given that child sexual abuse affects 15 percent of girls and 8 percent of boys worldwide, incurring high public costs and devastating consequences for survivors. In the United States, at least one in four girls and one in 20 boys experience sexual abuse. Despite the widespread nature of this issue, a report from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force had previously concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support prevention efforts. Now, with this new data, experts believe that well-designed community interventions can make a measurable impact, as Sandra Knispel of the University of Rochester summarizes.
Three Key Strategies to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
The research highlights three distinct education strategies that contributed to the intervention’s success.
Training for Elementary School Children
Elementary students in the study received the Safe Touches program, an evidence-based, single-class training designed to teach second graders about body safety, identifying trusted adults, and disclosing abuse. The program, which reached nearly 100 percent of second graders in the targeted counties, focused on recognizing inappropriate touching, setting personal boundaries, and empowering children to report abuse.
“It’s basically teaching kids that there are safe environments and unsafe environments—and how to know the difference, and how to get help,” says Noll.
Training for Parents
Parents participated in the Smart Parents, Safe and Healthy Kids program, which educates them about healthy child development, communication about sexual topics, and identifying potentially dangerous situations. The program teaches parents how to vet caregivers, recognize grooming behaviors, and protect children from both online and offline exploitation.
Noll advises parents to stay engaged in their child’s life, create open communication about difficult topics, and familiarize themselves with warning signs of abuse. “Knowing how to protect your own child will help you protect others,” she says.
Educating the General Public
The study included a county-wide media campaign featuring billboards, social media outreach, TV and radio spots, and direct mail campaigns. The goal was to raise awareness about child sexual abuse, direct adults to evidence-based training programs such as Stewards of Children, and encourage proactive reporting to authorities.
A Scalable, Evidence-Based Solution
The research team believes that this model could be implemented in other communities across the country. “To be able to show that this particular intervention did exactly that—in a systematic, scientific, and rigorous way, with this kind of effect—that is huge,” says Noll.
The next goal is to expand the program in New York state, beginning with the Greater Rochester area, and eventually scale it to a national level. Supported by grants from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the study offers a promising roadmap for how local governments, schools, and communities can work together to protect children from abuse.
