anti-violence |programs and support

Sexual Assault/ Rape Crisis Services of Cumberland County Prevention Education Programs

Programs focus on engaging schools and communities as change agents while still retaining aspects of programs that focus on risk reduction techniques.

This approach, known as bystander intervention, emphasizes educating those who are in a position to assist someone at risk. By doing so, we increase the likelihood that an intended victim will remain safe. Bystanders can intervene at any point on the continuum of sexual violence and prevent an unsafe situation from escalating into sexual assault. To accomplish this goal, education for bystanders is critical; individuals will be more likely to intervene when they have specific skills to recognize problematic behaviors and know how to respond.

Our programs will provide parents, teachers, and administrators with information that will assist them in developing intervention skills.

If you are interested in learning more about our program offerings, please contact Melissa Rosenberger at 243-3818.

All programs can be altered or designed to address the specific needs of your faculty, parent groups, or student body.

Elementary School Programs

Body Rights (Squeakers): The Body Rights program is an age-appropriate puppet show that is designed to help Kindergarten and 1st grade children recognize an inappropriate touch. The discussion portion of the program focuses on safety rules and identification of safe adults that children can turn to for help if they experience an inappropriate touch. - 30 minutes in length - Puppet show helper needed

Body Ownership: This program teaches 2nd and 3rd grade children what kinds of touches are appropriate and what to do if they are touched in a way that feels uncomfortable. It introduces the concept of an unwanted sexually-oriented touch through the use of a game, class discussion, and a video. Children are encouraged to be assertive about touches they don’t like and learn safety rules, including identifying adults who can help them if they experience an unsafe touch. - 45 minutes in length - TV and VCR/DVD are needed

Anti-Bullying: Designed for 4th or 5th graders, students learn what behaviors constitute bullying, skills to keep themselves safe from bullies, and why it’s important to choose not to act like a bully. Through activities and discussions, students identify bullying behaviors and learn about the harmful effects of bullying. Students are challenged to be accountable for their choices. - 50 minutes in length -

Middle School Programs

Assertiveness Training / Sexual Harassment: Assertiveness Training uses role-playing and class participation to teach middle school students how to handle difficult conflict effectively and non-violently. Students learn skills needed to help them be more assertive in their relationships. In addition, this interactive program defines sexual harassment and demonstrates how assertiveness skills can be used to stop sexual harassment. Resources for victim assistance are provided. - 50 minutes in length -

High School Programs

The 3 R’s: Rights, Responsibilities, and Relationships: This program is designed for 9th through 12th grade students and can be presented as a multi-day series or in one session. Videos, games, and discussions are used to present age appropriate information including PA laws on sexual violence, date rape drugs, consent, personal boundaries, sexual harassment, risk-reduction strategies, and where to go for help. - 50 minutes in length - TV and VCR are needed

Parent Programs

Parents play an invaluable role in ensuring the safety of children, and have the unique opportunity to reinforce safety education in their homes. Parent programs are designed to complement safety lessons their children are receiving in the classroom. These programs can be scheduled as part of a PTO meeting, in conjunction with a student program, or at other times during the school year.

Faculty and Staff Programs

Designed for teachers and administrators, these programs are perfect for in-service days, staff meetings, or other group settings. Topics include up-to-date information on child sexual abuse and mandated reporting, as well as how to recognize signs of abuse and handle student disclosures.

Community Programs

All programs are available for presentation to community groups such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, summer camps, after-school programs, etc.