Preventing violence in relationships: Interventions across the life span., 2002
Abstract 1. This chapter focuses on the serious problem of child sexual abuse (CSA). The author r... more Abstract 1. This chapter focuses on the serious problem of child sexual abuse (CSA). The author reviews what is known about this problem, including information about the scope and consequences of CSA. Risk and protective factors associated with CSA are presented, ...
Science and Education, 2018, Issue 1 14 UDC: 159.9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24195/2414-4665-2018-1... more Science and Education, 2018, Issue 1 14 UDC: 159.9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24195/2414-4665-2018-1-2 Somayeh Gholamfarkhani, MSc in Midwifery Counselling, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golestan, Iran., Elham Khoori, PhD in Reproductive Health, Counselling and Reproductive Health Research Centre, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, Firoozeh Derakhshanpour, Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Golestan Psychiatric Research Center, Gholestan University of Medical Sciences. Gorgan, Iran, Mohammad Aryaie, MSc in Epidemiology, Deputy of Research and Technology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran., Sandy K. Wurtele, Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado, Springs, USA, Corresponding Author Email: elhamkhoori@yahoo.com
Journal of Criminal Justice Education, Feb 24, 2021
Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global public health problem. Assessing public attitudes t... more Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global public health problem. Assessing public attitudes toward child sex offenders is important since public opinions have affected judicial decision-making regarding sex offender management policies and laws. Study objectives were to assess university students’ perceptions of offenders before and after a Sex Crimes Against Children course, and examine the potential anti-stigmatizing effect of interacting directly with people who had committed sex crimes. Compared with a previous study where only indirect contact was available, students who had direct contact with offenders reported more positive affective responses, had more positive attitudes toward sex offender treatment and rehabilitation, along with lower support for post-sentencing policies. Findings support the humanizing impact of interacting with members of the stigmatized group. Better informed public opinion is essential to support evidence-based crime prevention policies and ultimately prevent CSA.
ABSTRACT Unintentional injuries pose a significant threat to the health of young children. Althou... more ABSTRACT Unintentional injuries pose a significant threat to the health of young children. Although environmental changes, enhanced parental supervision, and legislation are important measures to prevent childhood injuries, educating children about safety is an essential component to effective primary prevention. In this pilot study, a convenience sample of 301 preschoolers (82% Latino) participated in a behavioral-skills training program to prevent injuries and were compared to controls (n = 45). Participants were pre- and post-tested on their knowledge of general safety rules related to riding in vehicles, crossing the street, being lost or alone, and playing with guns and matches/lighters. Other than knowing to wear a seatbelt, pre-test data showed a concerning lack of knowledge regarding safety. There were significant increases in safety rules knowledge after training. Findings support the value of training preschoolers in multiple areas of safety as one important strategy for the primary prevention of unintentional injuries.
BACKGROUND Parents play an important role in protecting their children from sexual abuse. Mothers... more BACKGROUND Parents play an important role in protecting their children from sexual abuse. Mothers, in particular, play key roles in the sexual socialization of their children and in educating their children about child sexual abuse (CSA). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether preschool girls in Gorgan (a city in northern Iran) could learn personal safety skills when taught by their mothers. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Fifty-six participants (mother-daughter pairs) were recruited from patients visiting health centers. Mean age of girls was 6.34 years. METHODS Girls were pretested using Persian versions of the Personal Safety Questionnaire and 'What If' Situations Test, randomly assigned to either a mother-taught program or wait-list control, and post-tested. Mothers assigned to the education group participated in a two-hour workshop on preventing CSA and were given the Body Safety Training workbook to teach their daughters. Following the one-week training by their mothers, children in both groups were post-tested and follow-up tested one month later. RESULTS Children taught by their mothers demonstrated significant increases in knowledge about sexual abuse and higher levels of personal safety skills compared to controls, and these gains were maintained at the one-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Results suggest that mothers can effectively teach their young daughters personal safety skills. Difficulties female children have in recognizing appropriate-touch requests are discussed and compared to results in other developing countries. Advantages of home-based instruction for young children are described and suggestions for increasing parent participation are offered.
Preventing violence in relationships: Interventions across the life span., 2002
Abstract 1. This chapter focuses on the serious problem of child sexual abuse (CSA). The author r... more Abstract 1. This chapter focuses on the serious problem of child sexual abuse (CSA). The author reviews what is known about this problem, including information about the scope and consequences of CSA. Risk and protective factors associated with CSA are presented, ...
Science and Education, 2018, Issue 1 14 UDC: 159.9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24195/2414-4665-2018-1... more Science and Education, 2018, Issue 1 14 UDC: 159.9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24195/2414-4665-2018-1-2 Somayeh Gholamfarkhani, MSc in Midwifery Counselling, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Golestan, Iran., Elham Khoori, PhD in Reproductive Health, Counselling and Reproductive Health Research Centre, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, Firoozeh Derakhshanpour, Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Golestan Psychiatric Research Center, Gholestan University of Medical Sciences. Gorgan, Iran, Mohammad Aryaie, MSc in Epidemiology, Deputy of Research and Technology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran., Sandy K. Wurtele, Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado, Springs, USA, Corresponding Author Email: elhamkhoori@yahoo.com
Journal of Criminal Justice Education, Feb 24, 2021
Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global public health problem. Assessing public attitudes t... more Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global public health problem. Assessing public attitudes toward child sex offenders is important since public opinions have affected judicial decision-making regarding sex offender management policies and laws. Study objectives were to assess university students’ perceptions of offenders before and after a Sex Crimes Against Children course, and examine the potential anti-stigmatizing effect of interacting directly with people who had committed sex crimes. Compared with a previous study where only indirect contact was available, students who had direct contact with offenders reported more positive affective responses, had more positive attitudes toward sex offender treatment and rehabilitation, along with lower support for post-sentencing policies. Findings support the humanizing impact of interacting with members of the stigmatized group. Better informed public opinion is essential to support evidence-based crime prevention policies and ultimately prevent CSA.
ABSTRACT Unintentional injuries pose a significant threat to the health of young children. Althou... more ABSTRACT Unintentional injuries pose a significant threat to the health of young children. Although environmental changes, enhanced parental supervision, and legislation are important measures to prevent childhood injuries, educating children about safety is an essential component to effective primary prevention. In this pilot study, a convenience sample of 301 preschoolers (82% Latino) participated in a behavioral-skills training program to prevent injuries and were compared to controls (n = 45). Participants were pre- and post-tested on their knowledge of general safety rules related to riding in vehicles, crossing the street, being lost or alone, and playing with guns and matches/lighters. Other than knowing to wear a seatbelt, pre-test data showed a concerning lack of knowledge regarding safety. There were significant increases in safety rules knowledge after training. Findings support the value of training preschoolers in multiple areas of safety as one important strategy for the primary prevention of unintentional injuries.
BACKGROUND Parents play an important role in protecting their children from sexual abuse. Mothers... more BACKGROUND Parents play an important role in protecting their children from sexual abuse. Mothers, in particular, play key roles in the sexual socialization of their children and in educating their children about child sexual abuse (CSA). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether preschool girls in Gorgan (a city in northern Iran) could learn personal safety skills when taught by their mothers. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Fifty-six participants (mother-daughter pairs) were recruited from patients visiting health centers. Mean age of girls was 6.34 years. METHODS Girls were pretested using Persian versions of the Personal Safety Questionnaire and 'What If' Situations Test, randomly assigned to either a mother-taught program or wait-list control, and post-tested. Mothers assigned to the education group participated in a two-hour workshop on preventing CSA and were given the Body Safety Training workbook to teach their daughters. Following the one-week training by their mothers, children in both groups were post-tested and follow-up tested one month later. RESULTS Children taught by their mothers demonstrated significant increases in knowledge about sexual abuse and higher levels of personal safety skills compared to controls, and these gains were maintained at the one-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Results suggest that mothers can effectively teach their young daughters personal safety skills. Difficulties female children have in recognizing appropriate-touch requests are discussed and compared to results in other developing countries. Advantages of home-based instruction for young children are described and suggestions for increasing parent participation are offered.
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