Implementation of a Universal School-Based Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Child Development
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a significant public health issue requiring effective primary prevention.
• Universal, school-based programs like Safe Touches are crucial for widespread impact.
• Successful dissemination and implementation are key to maximizing the reach of evidence-based prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reach and effectiveness of the Safe Touches school-based child sexual abuse prevention curriculum.
• To evaluate the large-scale implementation of a universal, single-session prevention program.
• To determine the long-term retention of knowledge gained from the Safe Touches program.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal cohort design was employed with second-grade students across five counties.
• The Safe Touches workshop was delivered in 718 classrooms, reaching approximately 14,235 students.
• Knowledge assessments were conducted immediately post-workshop, and at 6 and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The Safe Touches program significantly increased CSA-related knowledge among participants.
• Knowledge gains were maintained at the 12-month follow-up assessment (p < .001).
• Minor initial disparities in schools with higher percentages of low-income and minority students diminished over time.

Conclusions:

• A single-session, universal school-based program can effectively enhance children's knowledge of CSA.
• Wide-scale implementation and dissemination of Safe Touches are feasible and impactful.
• The knowledge acquired through the Safe Touches program demonstrates lasting retention.