CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The Airman & Family Readiness Center will be holding a class to teach Team Charleston members how to prevent and detect child sexual abuse Aug. 26 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The classes sponsored by Darkness to Light entitled "Steward's of Children" is a program designed to teach adults how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The class is open to all active duty and Reserve Airmen, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and family members.
This is not the first time such a class has been held on Charleston AFB. Earlier this month the 437th Airlift Wing Sexual Assault and Prevention Response Program sponsored the same class to get Team Charleston members aware of the program and what they can do to prevent children from becoming victims' of sexual abuse.
"As a new mother and someone who works extensively with children at my church, I thought it was important to learn more about the signs of sexual abuse in children and how to respond if abuse is suspected," Capt. Jacqueline Dent, 437th Medical Group, Medical information System flight commander.
The main goal of the class is to teach parents and those adults responsible for children in their care how to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a child who may be sexually abused.
"It is important that we as adults shoulder the responsibility of preventing child sexual abuse," said Carol Hogue, Darkness to Light prevention specialist. "We can do this through proper training and a willingness to tackle the tough issue of child sexual abuse. Stewards of Children equip us to do so."
The two-and-a-half hour class teaches individuals the "Seven Steps to Protecting Our Children (see insert)," which includes simple strategies for identifying and preventing sexual abuse. Along with several videos that are scheduled to be shown, individuals will learn what they could do to detect if a child is being sexually abused.
"This training program provides adults with the tools they need to effectively identify and react to child abuse in their communities," said Veronica Griffin, 437th Airlift Wing Sexual Response Coordinator. "We as a community have to protect our children."
Upon completion of the training, individuals will be issued a certificate of attendance that can be used to verify their training.
"If you volunteer with an organization that requires Stewards of Children training, the certificate verifies an individual has been through the training," Ms. Hogue said. "The certificate shows that you have concern for the safety of children and the participants are equipped with the tools necessary to better protect children from child sexual abuse."
Individuals who are interested in the program, but are unable to attend the Aug. 26 training, can sign up for classes held in other areas of the Lowcountry.
"If an individual is not able to participate in a training offered at Charleston AFB, there are numerous trainings scheduled throughout the Charleston area," said Ms. Hogue. "They can visit www.d2l.org/prevention/stewards-of-children/for information on additional training."
While this was the first time this class was available on base, Captain Dent saw the importance of attending.
"It is my hope that by educating myself and others on this subject, we will be able to better protect our children, thereby reducing the negative impacts of continued abuse on children and the community as a whole," she said.
For more information or to sign up for the class, call the SAPR Program at 963-7272(SARC).