Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
SAFETY SKILLS
Child abuse awareness month
Child abuse includes neglect or abandonment, physical or sexual abuse.
It is easier to notice a hungry, unclean child or one bearing unexplained and repeated bruises. Detecting sexual abuse is much harder as there may be no visual evidence. A clever perpetrator (“groomer”) may sexually abuse multiple victims for years. Victims often keep their abuse secret without ever receiving help. These victims may experience learning challenges, promiscuity, depression and substance abuse.
Ideally, parents protect and educate their children to ensure sexual abuse never happens. Unfortunately, perpetrators are excellent at identifying and grooming victims to ensure the abuse is kept secret. Parents may never suspect that a close relative, neighbor, upstanding citizen, etc., has groomed their child.
Open Door Theatre uses live drama to teach personal safety skills to elementary aged children throughout Snohomish County. Children learn to identify different kinds of touches and what to do if they don’t feel safe. Our age-appropriate performances engage learners of all styles who then practice skills to stay safe.
The theater needs the community’s financial support to maintain its program because locating funding is a struggle given the current economic climate.
We appeal to survivors of sexual abuse who understand the issues and share our belief that children have the right to say no. Your tax deductible donation can be made online, securely, through the Network for Good, and directed to Open Door Theatre via our tax exempt code: 91-1226916. Thank you for all assistance.
Wendy McClure
Managing director,
Open Door Theatre
Arlington
It is easier to notice a hungry, unclean child or one bearing unexplained and repeated bruises. Detecting sexual abuse is much harder as there may be no visual evidence. A clever perpetrator (“groomer”) may sexually abuse multiple victims for years. Victims often keep their abuse secret without ever receiving help. These victims may experience learning challenges, promiscuity, depression and substance abuse.
Ideally, parents protect and educate their children to ensure sexual abuse never happens. Unfortunately, perpetrators are excellent at identifying and grooming victims to ensure the abuse is kept secret. Parents may never suspect that a close relative, neighbor, upstanding citizen, etc., has groomed their child.
Open Door Theatre uses live drama to teach personal safety skills to elementary aged children throughout Snohomish County. Children learn to identify different kinds of touches and what to do if they don’t feel safe. Our age-appropriate performances engage learners of all styles who then practice skills to stay safe.
The theater needs the community’s financial support to maintain its program because locating funding is a struggle given the current economic climate.
We appeal to survivors of sexual abuse who understand the issues and share our belief that children have the right to say no. Your tax deductible donation can be made online, securely, through the Network for Good, and directed to Open Door Theatre via our tax exempt code: 91-1226916. Thank you for all assistance.
Wendy McClure
Managing director,
Open Door Theatre
Arlington
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