Topics to be discussed include:

• Facts about Child Sexual Abuse

• Child Sexual Development – Normal and Problem Behavior

• Child Molesters – What do we know

• Role of Police & Child Protection – Investigation Process

• School's Role in Educating Children about Sexual Abuse

• Safety Tips

This material will be offered by representatives from Child & Family Services, Eastern School District, RCMP, Health and Social Services and the Office of the Attorney General.

"In an effort to prevent child sexual abuse, we as adults must become much more informed about this issue. Statistics tell us that all children and adolescents are at risk of being sexually abused before their 18th birthday. We must know the facts and we must work together to protect our children," said Rona Brown, Chair of the Provincial Child Sexual Abuse Advisory Committee.

This public information session will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., at the MacKinnon Lecture Theatre, Holland College, Charlottetown Centre (Kent Street entrance only).

The session is open to the public and all are welcome – admission is free. This event is being held in recognition of Family Violence Prevention Week, February 8 - 14.

BACKGROUNDER

PROVINCIAL CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Provincial Child Sexual Abuse Advisory Committee is a collaborative partnership between government and community organizations working together to address child sexual abuse and to promote increased awareness to this issue. The committee was formed in 1991 and continues to promote the needs of child sexual abuse victims, offenders, and their families. Representation on the committee includes:

• Department of Health & Social Services

• Department of Education

• Office of the Attorney General

- Victim Services

- Probation Services

- Crown Attorney

- Sexual Deviance Specialist

• Eastern School District

• Adult Survivor

• PEI Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

• RCMP

• Summerside Police Service

• Regional Health Authorities

- Community Mental Health

- Child & Family Services

- Family Ties

• Community Legal Information Association

• Mi'kmaq Family Resource Centre

Research tells us that all children ages 0 -18 are at risk of being sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Research also tells us that male children / teens are molested almost as frequently as females and that most child sexual abuse goes unreported. Some molesters abuse dozens of children before they are caught. More than 90% of child / teen victims are abused by someone they know and trust, someone you would never suspect!