Virtual Delivery of A School-Based Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Child Development
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Universal child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention is a critical public health goal.
• School-based programs are the primary method for CSA prevention.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated exploring flexible, virtual program delivery methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of delivering an evidence-based, school-based CSA prevention program virtually.
• To compare the effectiveness of virtual delivery versus in-person delivery of the Safe Touches program.
• To evaluate student engagement and knowledge acquisition through virtual CSA prevention.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study using mixed methods was conducted in a school district.
• Second-grade students (N=176) participated in a virtually delivered Safe Touches workshop.
• Post-workshop survey data from virtual (N=37) and in-person (N=60) sessions were descriptively compared.

Main Results:

• Student knowledge and concept understanding in the virtual program were comparable to the in-person program.
• A disclosure of CSA was reported by a teacher following the virtual workshop.
• Facilitators and school staff reported positive feedback and high student engagement during virtual sessions.

Conclusions:

• Virtual delivery of school-based CSA prevention programs, like Safe Touches, is viable and feasible.
• Flexible delivery modes are essential for ensuring consistent access to CSA prevention education.
• Investment in virtual program delivery can enhance the reach and impact of CSA prevention efforts.