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May 2020 Jordan Posamentier, President

Katie Hanna, Vice President

National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

The purpose of this eNews is to provide members of the National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation monthly updates on

trends, issues, studies, and work being done in the field of child sexual exploitation prevention. The material highlighted in the eNews is for

information purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. If you believe you are receiving this email in error or would like to

unsubscribe from this service, please email: PreventTogether@gmail.com.

Coronavirus Creates a Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Crisis

Our society’s response to COVID-19 may be creating situations where children are more likely to be unsu-

pervised online or left alone with other children or unsafe adults. Further, increased financial stressors due

to parents being out of work is responsible for higher anxiety, increased domestic violence and substance

misuse, putting kids at greater risk for child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Unfortunately, this is a perfect storm of increased access and

increased family stress and financial pressure that makes kids

that much more vulnerable to abuse,” Teresa Huizar, the execu-

tive director of the National Children’s Alliance.

Despite the likelihood of increased sexual abuse perpetration,

anecdotal evidence indicates reports of abuse to child protective

service agencies are going down. This is likely because the sin-

gle most important group of reporters – educators – are no long-

er able to monitor and report abuse.

There has been a rise in the number of minors contacting the

National Sexual Assault Hotline to report abuse. That's according

to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, which runs the hotline.

By the end of March, with much of the country under stay-at-home orders,

there was a 22% increase in monthly calls from people younger than 18, and

half of all incoming contacts were from minors. That's a first in RAINN's histo-

ry, Camille Cooper, the organization's Vice President of Public Policy said.

Of those young people who contacted the hotline in March, 67% identified

their perpetrator as a family member and 79% said they were currently living

with that perpetrator. In 1 out of 5 cases where the minor was living with their

abuser, RAINN assisted the minor in immediately contacting police.

The FBI recently warned parents and caregivers that their children are at in-

creased risk of online sexual exploitation. They have issued tips and guide-

lines to help protect children from this danger.

While this horrific phenomenon is being covered by the media, other corona-

virus news is drowning out the importance and urgency of this crisis.

(continued on page 2)

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

Coronavirus Creates a Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Crisis (continued from page 1)

In response, members of the Prevention Coalition have taken to social media in droves to raise awareness

of the problem. Others, including Committee for Children and Prevent Child Abuse America, are advocating

for federal stimulus dollars to be used for child sexual abuse prevention.

Most importantly, a large number of the organizations making up the Prevention Coalition have developed

and are distributing resources for parents and professionals for help in combatting child sexual abuse and

exploitation in the time of coronavirus.

This issue of eNews has catalogued many CSA/COVID-19 resources from members and non-members

alike. Please feel free to share this information with other professionals and with the public at large.

Caring for Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While the risks to children and infants for physical abuse, sexual abuse and

Abusive Head Trauma are increasing during the pandemic, child protective

services are receiving significantly fewer reports of suspected child abuse

during the crisis. In order to provide schools and youth-serving organiza-

tions with a range of resources they can forward to the parents of the chil-

dren they serve, MassKids has developed the “Massachusetts Resource

Guide for Parents and Caregivers: Caring For Children During the

COVID-19 Pandemic.” http://www.enoughabuse.org/images/stories/

Resources/Guide_for_Parents-

Caring_for_Children_During_the_Pandemic_-_Massachusetts.pdf.

Another great resource is a radio program on the same subject.

http://www.enoughabuse.org/images/stories/Resources/Radio%

20Interview%20104.9.mp3

Committee for Children Provides Parent Resources

Committee for Children is promoting its Hot Chocolate Talk strategy

for families to have age-appropriate, evidence-based conversations

with their kids in service of sexual abuse prevention. They have cre-

ated a one-pager explaining the role of social-emotional learning

(SEL) in child sexual abuse prevention. They have provided am-

ple free and expanded SEL resources for educators and families

during this time. Also available is Support for the Second Step Pro-

gram in the time of COVID-19 . Committee for Children also contin-

ues to advocate prioritization of federal stimulus dollars for child sexual abuse prevention.

Resources for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

Darkness to Light Offers New Training for New Circumstances

Darkness to Light is a resource for parents and caregivers who want to protect their children in an un-

certain world dominated by the coronavirus pandemic. Many adults are experiencing unique challenges

when it comes to keeping kids safe right now. In response, Darkness to Light has released a completely

new training resource, Protecting Children During a Crisis. This training is designed to help parents

navigate through the unusual circumstances they might be facing due to our current global health crisis.

This training is being offered at no cost and will help:

• Determine potential changes that could disrupt existing daily life, resulting in new situations that will

pose new challenges in prevention • Identify some possible scenarios that could require parents to modify those strategies

• Develop personalized strategies to use when potential crisis situations become a reality

Darkness to Light has also created new resources for parents and caregivers dealing with new situa-

tions, compiled resources for teachers on creating safe, online learning experiences, and are provid-

ing healthy activities for parents and children during this time.

APSAC Provides a Wealth of COVID-19 Resources

APSAC has developed and curated a robust COVID-19 re-

source page found at https://www.apsac.org/covid-19.

APSAC has also produced a series of Zoom Chats and webi-

nars – links to the recordings can also be found at https://

www.apsac.org/covid-19.

On May 14th, APSAC hosts a Zoom Chat on Guidance for

Teachers and Counselors During COVID-19 and Other Crises,

featuring a child abuse prevention specialist and a child abuse

pediatrician The Registration URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAof-

uuqTguGdd5NIze0y3TSUttpB1f297f

Also available are special editions of the APSAC Alert on related issues, which can be accessed

through the following links:

· Online Safety for Children During the COVID-19 Crisis

· Practical Steps to Prevent Child Neglect During the COVID-19 Crisis

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

Resources from NCMEC

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

has resources available online to prevent child sexual exploitation in

the time of COVID-19. Please consider sharing these widely this

Child Abuse Prevention Month while so many children are spending

more time online. Go to https://ncmec.elevate.commpartners.com to

take the all-new course Teaching Online Safety all about the risk fac-

ing children online and how to teach children safer behaviors online.

Also check out the new blog for parents, Are your Home and Online?

How to Keep them Safer here. Watch @MissingKids and

@NetSmartz social media handles this month for short videos by

NCMEC staff who are also parents about how to adapt internet safety

tips for the current environment.

Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center Addresses Risk of Isolation

The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center provides prevention tips in

the time of COVID-19 on their website blog here: https://www.chicagocac.org/reducing-risk-child-sexual-abuse-isolation/ Also available are two resource handout PDFs: https://www.chicagocac.org/bealuminary/.

U.S. Center for SafeSport Provides Resource Guides

COVID-19 has affected all of our daily lives, particularly in the

sports community. Online communication poses unique safety

risks, so be sure to read their online safety guides geared to-

wards keeping children safe during this challenging time.

FULL VIRTUAL SAFETY GUIDE GUIDE FOR PARENTS GUIDE FOR COACHES GUIDE FOR ATHLETES

School Closings Due to COVID-19 Present Potential for Increased Risk of Child Exploitation

Due to school closings as a result of COVID-19, children will potentially have an increased

online presence and/or be in a position that puts them at an inadvertent risk. Due to this

newly developing environment, the FBI is seeking to warn parents, educators, caregivers,

and children about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and signs of child abuse.

Click here for more.

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

Stop It Now Provides Families with a Wealth of COVID-19 Resources

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused more families to be isolated at home, Stop It

Now! is sharing tools and strategies for navigating these unprecedented times, while keeping children's sex-

ual safety a priority.

It’s more important than ever to practice safety planning and to speak up about any concerns individuals

have about behaviors and situations that put children at risk. Stop It Now’s confidential Helpline remains

open during regular hours (12am – 6pm ET, M-F) to help with any concerns about children’s safety. Access

the Helpline via email or review resources at any time.

Online Safety Planning During COVID-19

Navigating Emergency Childcare Concerns

Video Series: Safety in COVID-19 Times

This series aims to help adults navigate warning signs in others and themselves, and to respond safely and

responsibly.

Video One: "Should my daughter be alone with her brother?"

Video Two: "I'm worried about my boyfriend's behavior with my daughter."

Video Three: "I know a pedophile. What should I do?"

Video Four: "How can I stay safe with my own behaviors during quarantine?"

Video Five: "My son had his pants down in front of his laptop, what now?"

Video Six: Mother concerned step-father poses a risk to daughter

Read past Stop It Now! communications specific to COVID-19

What we do today matters for children’s safety tomorrow

New video series: Safety in COVID-19 Times

Additional News, Resources and Information

"Advice for people at risk of committing a sexual or violent offence while in social isola-

tion," (Kieran McCartan, PhD, & David Prescott, LICSW, Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and

Treatment)

Responding to Child Abuse During a Pandemic: 25 Tips for MDTs (Zero Abuse Project)

COVID-19 State Child Welfare and Related Health Resources

NEW RESOURCE PACK: POSITIVE PARENTING IN COVID-19 ISOLATION (End Violence Against

Children)

Can coronavirus teach us how to end violence against children? (Elena Gaia, World Vision)

Stay safe at home. Stay safe online. (End Violence Against Children)

Americans can help DOJ fight child exploitation amid pandemic (Assistant Attorney General

Beth A. Williams)

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

Sacred Spaces Provides Resources to Youth Serving Organizations

Sacred Spaces has released a two-page resource sheet for youth

serving organizations (YSO’s) on safeguarding children in

online environments. https://www.aleinucampaign.org/organization-

resources/

Sacred Spaces is also making a recording of a webinar titled:

“Protocols for Safeguarding Children and Teens in Online Communi-

cation: Considerations for Today’s Remote Organizations” available to

Prevention Coalition members. Sacred Spaces has developed considerations and recommendations to

guide YSOs in implementing protocols around online communication. This webinar is for those working in

YSO’s who are responsible for overseeing online communication/programming or those who are directly

communicating with youth and parents on behalf of the organization. Click here to access the webinar re-

cording.

ATSA is Expanding its Online Resources in Response to COVID-19

The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers is expanding its online resources to help treatment

providers, researchers, and other professionals remain in contact with each other, collaborate, and stay

abreast of the latest knowledge and practices related to preventing sexual abuse.

ATSA is offering webinars in place of in-person training sessions, hosting a series of monthly discussions

for practitioners who want to consult on specific topics, increasing our presence on social media, and pre-

paring for the possible shift from an in-person annual conference to an online event.

An unexpected benefit from the move to webinars and online meetings is the new opportunity this is offer-

ing for more people to participate in creative collaborations. Individuals unable to travel can now take part in

discussions and training sessions from anywhere in the world. The result is that more people than ever be-

fore are joining together to share their knowledge and experience.

ATSA invites you to be part of this conversation. You can see some

of the upcoming educational sessions at https://www.atsa.com/

chapter-conferences . ATSA also encourages you to follow them on

social media. Follow @MakeSocietySafe on Twitter, or find them by

our association’s name on Facebook and LinkedIn. For more infor-

mation about these activities, email ann@atsa.com.

Prevent Child Abuse America: COVID-19 Legislative Recommendations

Prevent Child Abuse America has joined child advocacy organizations

across the United States in detailing essential recommendations for lawmak-

ers to consider when developing economic stimulus packages in response to

the COVID-19 crisis. Click to see Prevent Child Abuse America’s COVID-19

recommendations.

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

COVID-19 Resources from PreventConnect

PreventConnect recently hosted two web conferences focusing on prevention during COVID-19 and is

currently running a series of blog posts on the subject.

Preventing violence in our homes blog part 1

Preventing violence in our homes blog part 2

Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence During a Pandemic web conference recording

Preventing Violence in Our Homes: Meeting this moment with connection, care, and justice web

conference recording

NSVRC Provides Coronavirus Resources to Practitioners

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center is providing a wealth of resources to practitioners in the

time of COVID-19.

Guidance for forensic nurses from the International Association of Forensic Nurses

Recommended COVID-19 Response Guidance for Medical-Forensic Services from the Georgia Criminal

Justice Coordinating Council

COVID-19 Emerging Response Resources from the Resource Sharing Project

Tele-counseling 101: Providing services for survivors from Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, Victim

Services Incorporated, and Colorado Coalition Againt Sexual Assault

Get Engaged Online in Sexual Assault Awareness Month from NSVRC

6 Ways You Can Support Survivors Online During Sexual Assault Awareness Month from NSVRC

Prevent Child Abuse America Provides COVID-

19 Resources on its Website

Prevent Child Abuse America is providing parents and caregivers

with useful tips on keeping children safe during the coronavirus

pandemic. Click here to see tips and other information.

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

UNICEF Provides Coronavirus Child Protection Guidance to Governments

UNICEF has developed recommendations for governments

and protection authorities in the time of coronavirus. They

are asking local governments to take concrete steps to en-

sure that the protection of children is integral to all COVID-19

prevention and control measures, including:

• Train health, education and child services staff on COVID

-19 related child protection risks, including on the prevention

of sexual exploitation and abuse and how to safely report

concerns;

Train first responders on how to manage disclosure of gender-based violence (GBV Pocket Guide), and collaborate with healthcare services to support GBV survivors;

• Increase information sharing on referral and other support services available for children;

• Engage children, particularly adolescents, in assessing how COVID-19 affects them differently to in-

form programming and advocacy;

• Provide targeted support to interim care centres and families, including child-headed households and

foster families, to emotionally support children and engage in appropriate self-care;

• Provide financial and material assistance to families whose income generating opportunities have been

affected; and

• Put in place concrete measures to prevent child-family separation, and ensure support for children left

alone without adequate care due to the hospitalization or death of a parent or caregiver; and

Ensure the protection of all children is given the utmost consideration in disease control measures.

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont Provides Train-the-Trainer Session for

TECHNICOOL: Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet ©

To better meet the needs of children in the times of coronavirus, Prevent Child Abuse Vermont is offering

an online Train-the-Trainer session for the TECHNICOOL: Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet © program

on June 23-25, from 10 am—12 pm ET,

This six-hour training is provided via Zoom interactive real time platform will equip attendees with the

knowledge and skills to facilitate TECHNICOOL: Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet ©

Contact Prevent Child Abuse Vermont with questions or to register: pcavt@pcavt.org or 1-800-975-7147.

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

ECPAT-USA Releases New Resources in Response to Coronavirus

ECPAT-USA has responded to the outbreak of COVID-19 with new resources.

Check out ECPAT-USA’s visually-engaging pamphlet for teens/tweens to educate

them about the risks in online relationships. ECPAT-USA Youth Guide. Additional-

ly, ECPAT-USA has created a more detailed guide for parents that also includes

signs of potential exploitation and an illustrated how-to for controlling privacy set-

tings. ECPAT-USA Parent Guide.

In response to the digital environment in which we all live, WCPAT-USA has also

launched a free elearning module for hotels and staff to identify and respond to

trafficking, available in 17 languages. https://www.ecpatusa.org/hotel-training.

Other News…

We hope you have enjoyed reading about the current work of your colleagues in the field of child sexual

abuse. As we struggle to achieve some normalcy, we are happy to see that life goes on separate from the

pandemic.

CDC Announces Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Research Fellowship

A research opportunity is currently available with the Division of Violence

Prevention (DVP), Research Evaluation Branch (REB), within the National

Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), at the Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved with re-

search related to the primary prevention of child sexual abuse. CDC de-

fines child sexual abuse as the involvement of a child (person less than 18

years of age) in sexual activity that violates the laws or social taboos of

society and that he/she does not fully comprehend, does not consent to or

is unable to give informed consent to, or is not developmentally prepared

for and cannot give consent to (see: https://www.cdc.gov/

violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/childsexualabuse.html

Reference Code: CDC-NCIPC-2020-0120

Application Deadline: 6/25/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=efc33c9e-b36354e-efc30da1-0cc47a6a52de-

ea786b2bb1d94f13&u=https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/CDC-NCIPC-2020-0120

Quote of the Day

Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them: Albert Einstein

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National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

www.preventtogether.org l email: preventtogether@gmail.com

May/June/July Events

Many trainings and conferences are being cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus.

Check with event sponsors.

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont Train-the-Trainer Online Session for TECHNICOOL: Keeping Kids

Safe on the Internet ©; June 23-25, 10 am to 12 pm ET. Register at pcavt@pcavt.org or 1-800-975-7147.

All-Member Prevention Coalition Call: May 15, 12:30—2:00 pm ET :Join Zoom Meeting: https://

cfchildren.zoom.us/j/603420025 Meeting ID: 603 420 025 Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US

(San Jose) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Meeting ID: 603 420 025

Submit your events for inclusion in next month’s Events Calendar to drive awareness of your organization!

Please email information to catherinetownsend@yahoo.com.

Communications Committee Co-Chairs: Susan Kennedy & Matt Hartvigsen

Prevention Coalition Annual Meeting To Be Held Remotely in 2020

In light of the uncertainty about the coronavirus, the Steering Committee has made the de-

cision to host the September 15 Prevention Coalition Annual Meeting online. Not only was

health and safety a concern, members had expressed anxiety over travel and shrinking

budgets. More to come!

Prevention Coalition Launches Student Internship Program

The committee for Student Internships is launching a pilot program for student interns to

be hosted by member institutions. Members will all receive a list and description of four

initial projects. The committee is seeking members who are able to host a student intern

to accomplish one of these projects this fall. The projects will be sent to members the

week of May 11. If you or your organization are interested in participating, the committee

would like to talk with you! Please contact Katie Hanna at katie.hanna@safesport.org .

Prevention Coalition Dues Are Being Collected Now!

Invoices for dues went out several months ago. If you need another invoice or a W-9

to process payment, please let us know.

This is an unusual year and many non-profits are suffering. If the increase in dues

will place an undue burden on your organization, or if you are simply unable to pay

dues this year, please let us know. We will invoice you at the 2019 rate or will consid-

er you for a dues scholarship. Contact Catherine Townsend at preventtogeth-

er@gmail.com for more information.

Katie Hanna