Sexual Abuse

Gr 2—5—Sexual abuse is a subject most feel uncomfortable discussing, yet it is important children be trained to recognize questionable behavior and report it so they can receive help. A young teen narrator provides background information on three live-action vignettes. In the first scenario, a girl deals with a boy taking an embarrassing photograph and with his unwanted touching. In the second, a boy feels that his soccer coach may be crossing a line. The third vignette concerns the narrator herself and is the most disturbing as she copes with the advances of a step-brother who manipulates her into believing that the situation is her own fault. In all three cases, the victims eventually seek help from an adult who steps in to rectify the situation. Counseling is shown as an important component for victim recovery. While it might be argued that the first two scenarios may present events that were misinterpreted, it is important to teach children to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. The DVD poses questions students can consider, and the program can be stopped for classroom discussion. The CD contains black-line masters, scripts, and extension activities. A valuable resource for school counselors to use in classroom instruction.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA