Sex Talk Workshop
Updated: March 2, 2007
A group in Danville wants parents to get proactive about sexual assault in schools. The group, Your Family Resource Connection, held its first community meeting on sex crimes in classrooms. The meeting stems after charges are filed against Jon White, a second grade teacher in Urbana. Investigators say he sexually abused nine of his students.
Meeting organizers felt it was time to take action to stop similar cases in their community. They add, there is a fear around such cases so many victims don't come forward. They're hoping tonight's meeting will help people break down those barriers. During the session, counselors handed out letters and booklets on what signs to look for if you believe your child may be a victim. They also touched on the topic on how to talk to your child about this issue. Leaders say the key to breaking down the barrier is talking to your kid. Regardless of what other adults may threaten, they say children need to be reassured their loved ones won't be hurt if they tell.
Meeting organizer Leslie Sconce says talking about the issue is hard; "It's embarrassing, people don't want to talk about it, it's something as a whole that's left behind closed doors, they just freak out, it's one of those things that deals with sex."
If you suspect your child could be a victim, there are some questions to ask yourself. Are they shying away from a certain person a lot more? Are they using the restroom more often? Another tip for parents is always believe your child. Counselors say take every concern and comment seriously.
If you missed tonight's meeting, counselors will be on hand this weekend at the Danville Home Show at the Civic Center. The group also plans to hold another similar meeting next month. The group offers its services for free and takes cases anonymously. To reach them, you can call them at (217) 446-1217.
Meeting organizers felt it was time to take action to stop similar cases in their community. They add, there is a fear around such cases so many victims don't come forward. They're hoping tonight's meeting will help people break down those barriers. During the session, counselors handed out letters and booklets on what signs to look for if you believe your child may be a victim. They also touched on the topic on how to talk to your child about this issue. Leaders say the key to breaking down the barrier is talking to your kid. Regardless of what other adults may threaten, they say children need to be reassured their loved ones won't be hurt if they tell.
Meeting organizer Leslie Sconce says talking about the issue is hard; "It's embarrassing, people don't want to talk about it, it's something as a whole that's left behind closed doors, they just freak out, it's one of those things that deals with sex."
If you suspect your child could be a victim, there are some questions to ask yourself. Are they shying away from a certain person a lot more? Are they using the restroom more often? Another tip for parents is always believe your child. Counselors say take every concern and comment seriously.
If you missed tonight's meeting, counselors will be on hand this weekend at the Danville Home Show at the Civic Center. The group also plans to hold another similar meeting next month. The group offers its services for free and takes cases anonymously. To reach them, you can call them at (217) 446-1217.
