An investigation into Wisconsin public schools sexual abuse intervention programs

Abstract

Child sexual abuse has become a major concern in recent years. Increased rates of reporting have brought an awareness of this social disease to public attention. Schools are viewed as the best source to provide preventative programs since most children attend school. School counselors are trained in child development and behavior so they are utilized in providing most of the preventative programs and postventative services. This study used a telephone interview to examine the prevention programs and postvention services provided by a select number of Wisconsin school counselors. It also determined the community resources utilized by school counselors to assist in providing prevention and postvention services. Finally, counselors’ opinions on necessary additions to their guidance programs were determined. Results of this study found that prevention programs were more prevalent at the elementary level, while middle and high programs were more reactionary. Most counselors at each level felt the services they provided were adequate and that community resources sufficiently supplemented their prevention and postvention services.