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Welcome to the MassKids Chronicle, where citizens can learn the latest news about efforts to address child sexual abuse and how they can take action in their own homes and communities to prevent it. |
Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Massachusetts Advocacy Briefing
Thursday, April 20th -10AM – 11:30AM via ZOOM
MassKids and its Enough Abuse Campaign will host a virtual Advocacy Briefing to educate citizens, policymakers and advocates about a package of bills aimed at preventing child sexual abuse in Massachusetts homes and communities. The bills constitute a set of model policies and practices that, when adopted will rank Massachusetts first in the nation in efforts to prevent child sexual abuse before the fact. Participants will learn from legislators and child advocates the history of these bills and what each will accomplish, and from survivors of childhood sexual abuse, why passage is so crucial.
REGISTER HERE for this Virtual Briefing.
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"Survivors Nest" Event
Tuesday, April 11, 11:30AM -1:00 PM, MA State House/Nurses Hall
Senator Joan Lovely will host the ”Survivors Nest” Event with survivors of childhood sexual abuse to discuss its impact and the critical need to prevent it. Sen. Lovely and MassKids Director Jetta Bernier will highlight a package of bills that would mandate child sexual abuse prevention education in schools and youth organizations; strengthen the screening of prospective school employees; and close the Age of Consent loophole that protects sexual abusers. Child USAdvocacy Director Kathryn Robb will discuss efforts this year in 31 states to eliminate the Statute of Limitations in child sexual abuse cases and why Massachusetts must join the movement to do the same.
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You can help "Pass the Prevention Package!" using our quick and easy Email Campaign feature that will send an email to your Senator and Representative and ask them to support these bills. Click the button below, enter your name, email and address, and an already drafted email will automatically be generated and sent. You can choose to edit it, or send as is! |
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Enough! Prevention Courses for Schools & YSOs |
The Enough! Preventing Child Sexual Abuse online courses have been completed by over 15,000 staff at 160 schools and youth serving organizations (YSOs).
School and YSO directors, school committee members, and other leaders can take the one-hour online course for their organization at no cost as a preview, to consider adopting the training for all their staff.
Make your organization a safer place for children! Email us at [email protected] for a free preview. Download our informative flyer and share with your leadership team.
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Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children |
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A new report “Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Research Overview” seeks to expand the public's awareness and understanding of children/teens exhibiting problematic sexual behavior (PSB) and also address the implications for these children, their families, caregivers and professionals. The report, produced by members of the Massachusetts Legislative Task Force to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse highlights research showing that children and adolescents with (PSB) who receive appropriate interventions, will not reoffend. |
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It offers a shared language that ensures we talk about these children and youth as kids first rather than just label them by their behaviors. The report also offers insights into best assessment and treatment practices when working with these children to ensure that they can live safely in the community.
Finally, key resources for different age groups have been identified and included. To provide feedback about the report or how you can use this important information, email Joan Tabachnick, MASOC Executive Director, at [email protected].
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What's OK? from Stop It Now! |
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To reach young people ages 14-21 who have questions about healthy sexuality or concerns they may engage in sexually inappropriate/harmful behaviors against a peer or younger child, Stop It Now! has launched WhatsOK.org.
This cutting-edge resource offers age-appropriate information and resources via FAQs that cover consent, why people sexually harm, porn addiction, sexting, and
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how to privately access therapy. The website is also a portal to a free and confidential helpline available via text, chat, email or phone. |
MassKids Joins CDC Research Initiative |
MassKids is partnering with Prevent Child Abuse America and the National Conference of State Legislatures on a 5-year CDC-funded research initiative to evaluate the effects of child sexual abuse prevention laws and policies on reporting and substantiation rates of child sexual abuse.
MassKids Executive Director Jetta Bernier and Communications Coordinator Lindsay Hawthorne recently attended the first meeting of the “Research Practice and Policy Partnership” in Chicago. This group of researchers, advocates, survivors and practitioners will guide the project’s work and ensure that research questions and ultimate products of the initiative are relevant for practice and policy communities.
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MassKids is led by an engaged, dedicated Board of Directors that brings to the organization a range of skills and expertise in human services, education, law, human resources, accounting, banking, financing and media and communications.
MassKids’ Nominations Committee is vetting individuals for Governing Board or Advisory Board consideration. To ensure better and fairer outcomes for all our children, the Board seeks to add individuals that reflect the diversity of the
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children and communities we serve. Additionally, it seeks to add survivor/advocates and their allies who have been impacted by childhood sexual abuse and want to join us in creating transformative social change to end it.
Interested in exploring this opportunity to make a real difference? Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but at MassKids, every month is child abuse prevention month. Help us ensure the right of every child to a safe childhood free from sexual abuse and exploitation. |
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