Psychoeducational groups to teach children sexual abuse prevention skills

A series of studies on sexual abuse prevention are presented to highlight important clinical and research issues. In a multi-modal evaluation conducted by the author, elementary children who participated in three group sessions using the Feeling Yes, Feeling No prevention program increased significantly in knowledge and the ability to discriminate unsafe from safe situations. Gains were maintained over a one-year follow-up period. Approximately 5% of the children disclosed sexually abusive experiences. Participating children also exhibited no more anxiety or behavior problems after the program than control children. A second study evaluated the relative efficacy of prevention programs for children conducted by teachers vs. expert consultants. Children in each trainer condition demonstrated equivalent knowledge gains and made equivalent numbers of disclosures. Clinical research by other authors is reviewed to highlight important issues in prevention groups with preschoolers and adolescents, the impact of prevention education on feelings about sexuality, and behavioral effects of prevention programs. Finally, the incorporation of prevention education into psychotherapeutic groups for child victims is discussed.