A workshop on child sexual abuse raised awareness in the community of Assiniboia and area. Messiah Lutheran Church brought the Little Warriors “Prevent It!” workshop to a full hall in Assiniboia on April 8. The workshop was facilitated by Denise Eger who delivered a presentation about preventing child sexual abuse.
Little Warriors is a non-profit organization founded by Glori Meldrum from Alberta who was abused as a child. The workshop aspect of the program is designed to teach participants about spotting the signs of sexual abuse in children and available treatments.
The content for the workshop has been put together by researchers from the University of Alberta based on the latest scientific research. The workshop included viewing video clips of victims telling their stories of abuse and presenting the “STOP” approach to prevent abuse. Former-NHL player Theo Fleury was one of those featured on the video speaking about abuse by his junior hockey coach.
The workshop recommended that parents talk to their children in an appropriate way about healthy sexual development and that they listen to their children and ask questions. Eger noted that it is important to teach children to tell a trusted adult about abuse and unwanted contact.
Eger advised the workshop group to create a culture of child protection. Prevention against child sexual abuse includes creating awareness, checking the background of volunteers and coaches, and establishing support services.
