Why do we need a sexual abuse prevention program for adolescents?
According to national statistics released by the Department of Justice, 15 year old children are the most likely perpetrators of child sexual abuse. Vermont state statistics are reflective of the national trend; 20% of all perpetrators of child sexual abuse are between the ages of 10-14, and 47% of all perpetrators are males under the age of 20. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, one in five teenage girls report being physically and/or sexually hurt by a dating partner. A recent study released by the American Association of University Women shows that over 80% of high school students surveyed reported experiencing sexual harassment in school.

Experiencing sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment has serious academic and social-emotional effects in both the short and the long-term. The effects include higher risk of truancy, dropping out of school, use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, unplanned and/or early pregnancy, contraction of Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV and AIDS, and suicide. When a child has been sexually abused or a school ignores sexual harassment, it is not only the individual who suffers, but the community as a whole is affected.

What is the Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens Program
(SAFE-T)?
Prevent Child Abuse Vermont developed the SAFE-T Program in 1993 in response to these concerning trends. SAFE-T is a health education program for middle school students that promotes victim/victimizer prevention by helping students to identify factors that put them at risk for being hurt and hurting others, while fostering the development of protective factors and resilience. By taking a comprehensive approach, the program aims to provide early adolescents with the skills necessary to make healthy choices and form healthy relationships with peers and adults. SAFE-T is highly experiential, and actively involves students in practicing and developing skills related to communication, empathy, self-esteem, healthy coping, self-awareness, trust, and accountability from three perspectives: that of potential victim, perpetrator and witness.

How is SAFE-T implemented?
The Program is classroom-based and includes a Teacher's Guide, Student Workbook, Student Journal, Teen-Adult Dialogue Workbook and SAFE-T video. Prior to the implementation of the program, teachers involved in the classroom component receive training in the program's philosophy, research base and facilitation of lessons. Additionally, school staff are trained in understanding and responding to inappropriate and/or problematic behavior of students. In this way, the entire school feels supported and able to sustain the work students are doing in the classroom. The program is also introduced to parents through a parent night.

During the program's implementation, parents and community members continue to play a critical role. Teen-adult dialogue assignments are completed on a weekly basis. These assignments complement areas covered in the classroom curriculum. There are numerous opportunities to introduce adolescents to representatives from community agencies, and to engage those representatives in the classroom itself. As a result, students' knowledge of local resources and identification with the community-at-large is increased.

How can I get more information about the SAFE-T Program?
If you would like more information on how to make your middle school a Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens School, or if you would like to receive training to train others to implement the program, please contact the SAFE-T Program Director at Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.

For more information, please call 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373) or 1-802-229-5724; you can also e-mail us at: pcavt@pcavt.org