Author: Feather Berkower

As you’ve heard me say before, if you ask just one question of your child’s school, day care, sports program or place of faith, ask “What policies are in place to prevent child sexual abuse?” But don’t stop there: Ask to see the policies and also inquire about monitoring. Courtesy of Treasureland Preschool, here is…

As you gear up for Halloween, remember that child sexual abuse is usually committed by someone the child knows and trusts – not by a stranger. Thus Halloween is yet another opportunity to invite other parents and caregivers onto your prevention team and a good time to reinforce your child’s body-safety rules. Here are five…

Your children have been back at school and/or day care for a couple of months now. If you have not already done so, this is a great time to speak to school personnel about how they are keeping your child safe. If you ask just one question, this is what I recommend:What policies are in…

During the summer of 2014, I met with six groups of people who have sexually abused children: Four groups of men who, as part of their probation, attend a treatment group; one group of female offenders in their treatment program; and then one group of men in prison. I participated in these offender groups with…

From time to time, I attend treatment groups for men and women who have sexually abused children so that I can better understand this crime and how to prevent it. Many of the offenders I met this summer told me how important it is to teach adults how child sexual abusers go about gaining access…

April is Child Abuse Prevention month and I’ve been reflecting on what it will take to change the cultural norm of silence that allows child sexual abuse to thrive in our communities. I’d like your help.Body-Safety Rules Are Not EnoughParenting Safe Children workshop participants tell me how empowered and secure they feel after teaching their…