Rebecca Wasinski National Campaign Manager for Wales rwasinski@lucyfaithfull.org.uk 07989 378220

1. Rebecca WasinskiNational Campaign Manager for Walesrwasinski@lucyfaithfull.org.uk07989 378220

2. Workshop Outline • Introductions • Stop it Now! Wales – about the campaign • Prevention techniques and case study group activity • Comprehensive approach to prevention and group activity • Individual activity

3. Introductions • Name • Which area/field we work in within Blaenau Gwent • What we had for breakfast

4. Stop it Now! Wales Campaign Goal To prevent the sexual abuse of children in Wales through adult awareness raising and education. • To prevent before abuse occurs • Increase knowledge and understanding of impact of abuse, abuser behavioural patterns, situational risks, abuser motivations, abuse between young people, internet and abuse, and how to discuss abuse with others. • Communicate key message that sexual abuse prevention is responsibility of all adults. • Prevent further abuse (where abuse has already occurred) • Increase awareness of identifying characteristics and behaviours to recognise where abuse may be taking place. • Increase awareness of action that adults can take when concerned that abuse may be taking place.

5. Stop it Now! Wales resources • Parent’s prevention awareness course (2 hour sessions over 5 weeks) • Professionals training (1 day course on child sexual abuse prevention) • Confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900 • Suite of bilingual leaflets, posters, postcards, wallet cards all free of charge (available at the Stop it Now! stand in the main hall)

6. Preventing child sexual abuse

7. Preventing child sexual abuse Developing a positive relationship with child/ren Talk with children and listen to what they have to say. There are books available to make this process easier which can inform about good/bad touch, healthy relationships and appropriate boundaries. Tell children that it is unacceptable at any point for anyone to force them to do anything or be touched unless for medical purposes with you present. Be prepared to answer questions that your child may have. Model healthy adult relationships and healthy adult/child relationships.

8. Preventing child sexual abuse Take sensible precautions about whom you choose to take care of your children. What questions would you be asking someone who was taking care of your child? Give babysitters very clear rules about boundaries/privacy etc Enquire as to child protection policies No opportunity, no abuse

9. Preventing child sexual abuse Respond to the early warning signs of grooming behaviour and seek advice. Call the Stop it Now! helpline if you notice any of the behaviours below; • Excessive, persistent physical contact with a child – frequent play fighting • Gives gifts to child excessively • Takes photographs or keeps mementos of children who are not their own • Talks about sex frequently, tells sexual jokes and discusses sex with children • Singles out and gives special attention to one child • Seeks to be, or is often, alone with a child in a house, car or room • Displays child orientated behaviours/ engages in childlike behaviour • Excessive interest in child’s personal development • Gut feeling about inappropriate behaviour

10. Preventing child sexual abuse Set very clear family boundaries and rules. With clear boundaries in place, it will be easier to spot if someone crosses those boundaries. Remember to set boundaries inside and outside the home around sleeping arrangements, privacy for dressing, bathing and bedtime.

11. Preventing child sexual abuse Act on the earliest concern you may have. Don’t wait for further ‘evidence’. Share your concerns regardless of how insignificant they may seem. The helpline staff will not judge you and are experienced in dealing with concerns of this nature. Consider that it could be sexual abuse.

12. Case Study You hear from a friend that a young man has befriended her family. The young man is particularly taken with the children in the family. In fact, he seems to adore them, and he is over your friend’s house, mostly playing with the children, almost daily. He has never been married and has just briefly mentioned failed relationships with women in his past. Your friend thinks that he is delightful, charming, very helpful, a bit immature perhaps, but a really nice guy.

13. Group activity – 10 minutes In groups: • Does this scenario concern you? Why/why not? • Would you take action? If so, how?

14. Conclusion • Circumstances around sexually abuse are typically vague and uncertain. • You do not need proof of sexual abuse in order to act to protect a child.

15. Comprehensive Approach • Stop it Now! Wales are working to develop a comprehensive approach to prevention highlighting the work and resources that are required to tackle child sexual abuse in Wales. • We are hoping to set up a working group of subject matter experts to lobby with the Welsh Assembly Government for an All Wales Strategy for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse.

16. Comprehensive Approach Smallbone, Marshall and Wortley (2008) Offer a comprehensive prevention strategy for effective sexual abuse prevention policy and practice; They focus on Primary (minimise overall risk), Secondary (address specific risk) and Tertiary (prevent further risk) preventative action. Four essential targets for preventing child sexual abuse; • Offenders (or potential offenders) • Victims (or potential victims) • Situations (or more likely to occur) • Communities

17. Comprehensive approach to prevention: Target groups Communities Protective adults Children and young people Agencies/ professionals Abuser

18. Group Activity • List the services, support and work that currently exist in Blaenau Gwent with your target group to prevent the sexual abuse of children 2. List the services, support and work that you think needs to be in place in Blaenau Gwent for your target group to prevent the sexual abuse of children.

19. Individual task • Think about where you fit in to the comprehensive approach to prevention. • Within your role, list 5 things that you can do to reduce the risk of sexual abuse to children in Blaenau Gwent.

20. Thank You • For more information please visit www.stopitnow.org.uk or contact Rebecca Wasinski on rwasinski@lucyfaithfull.org.uk / 07989 378220