community education

Providing a safe, respectful and healing environment for children who are victims of abuse.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Education and Prevention about child abuse issues is provided to the youth in the schools of Linn and Benton Counties as well as the community at large. Education about child abuse is believed to be a necessary component to stopping child abuse in the future. We have several presentations that cover the topics of child abuse, domestic/dating violence, and internet safety. In addition to presentations, our community education program holds a support group (GIRLS GROUP) for teen girls ages 12-18. We have 3-4 groups per year with each session lasting 8-10 weeks. Meetings are held one day per week for two hours.

School Presentations

Our school presentations are targeted for students in middle school and high school. We understand that not all schools run on the same bell schedule and therefore can adjust the presentations to fit class time. Many of our high school health and child development teachers incorporate our presentations into their class curriculum.

* "What Teens Should Know About Abuse: Part 1" is a
   90-minute presentation that helps students identify the
   four types of abuse and their effects on children and
   teens; how to report abuse in our community; the
   grooming process ; juvenile offenders and
   consequences for Measure 11 sex crimes.

* "What Teens Should Know About Abuse: Part 2" is a
   90-minute presentation that is specific to domestic and
   dating violence. Students will learn the effects of
   domestic violence on kids and teens, what the signs
   are of an unhealthy relationship, and how to leave a
   relationship safely. Part two encourages student
   participation and discussion.

* "What Teens should know: Internet Safety" is 50-55
   minute presentation for students in middle school that
   addresses current issues and concerns involving
   internet use. Topics covered in this presentation include
   online grooming, cyber bullying and harassment, school
   sexual harassment, and sexting.

Community Presentations

Our community presentations are similar to school presentations in terms of content but are designed to target an adult audience. Our main focus these
presentations are to help adults to be able to identify:

     * The four types of abuse
     * The effects of abuse on children, teens and families
     * Methamphetamine and its role in child abuse
     * The effects of domestic violence on children and
        teens
     * Signs of grooming
     * Consequences for juvenile offenders

Parents, community members, teachers, youth and church organizations are welcome to request a presentation.

Girls Group

Girls Group is a support group for girls from 12-18 years. The program is designed to foster self-esteem through creative and sharing activities. Today, many teen girls struggle with serious issues such as: eating disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, violence, low self-esteem, and poor body image. Girls group strives to address and improve the outcome of these issues through peer interaction and creative activities. Each group is comprised of 6-10 girls that meet once a week for 8-10 weeks. Activities are designed to allow girls to express themselves creatively while following the curriculum designed by the Girls Circle Program.

If you have questions or are interested in scheduling a presentation, or about a Girls Group, please feel free to contact me by phone or email:

Patricia Sheffield
ABC House Community Educator

Phone: (541) 926-2203

E-Mail: abchouseeducator@comcast.net

A l l B e c a u s e o f C h i l d r e n

ABC House - serving Linn and Benton Counties