Library hosts child sex abuse prevention training

The Cadiz Puskarich Library hosted a training session titled “Darkness to Light,” which focused on ways to spot, prevent and report child sex abuse.

The training, held April 30, took place in the large theater room downstairs and included a workbook and videos.

The training book, “Stewards of Children,” included steps such as being ready to be a steward of children, making a difference, learning the facts, minimizing opportunity, talking about it, recognizing the signs, reacting responsibly and creating prevention-oriented communities.

Participants answered questions and discussed proper actions to take in situations involving children’s vulnerabilities, adult actions and when to intervene or report.

Katie Banal, formerly communication education coordinator with Harmony House’s Child Advocacy Center, said she organized the session with Wendy Ware, prevention specialist at East Central ESC and Harrison County Wellness Coalition coordinator.

Ware said the Wellness Coalition’s Adverse Childhood Experience Committee wanted to provide sexual abuse prevention training to local people who work with youth in Harrison County. She said the training was presented in partnership with Harmony House.

One fact Banal offered was that child abuse laws were created out of animal abuse laws.

“Child abuse laws were written because of animal abuse laws,” Banal said. “So, it was illegal to abuse an animal before it was illegal to abuse a child.”

She then presented one of several videos addressing House Bill 33, which requires cross-reporting, such as social workers reporting animal abuse, as well as social workers, veterinarians and counselors being required to report abuse. The video reported that elder and child abuse often goes “hand in hand” with animal abuse.

“And yet, in family violence, the first victim in the family most of the time is the animal,” according to information from the video.

Banal then asked who is a mandated reporter of abuse. She said it is basically anyone who works with children or families. It also was noted that anyone reporting abuse can do so anonymously, and even if a name is provided, it will be kept confidential.

Community resources for responding to child sexual abuse also were provided. The Ohio Department of Children Protective Services number is 855-642-4453.

“You are not required to provide proof. Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable grounds is immune from prosecution,” according to Darkness to Light information.

Other helpline numbers include United Way Crisis Hotline at 800-421-1266, Darkness to Light Helpline at 866-FOR-LIGHT and USA National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-4-A-CHILD. For victim advocacy help, call the Victim Assistance Program, available 24 hours, at 330-376-0040; Tri-County Help Center at 740-695-5441; or the Victim/Witness Program at 740-699-2771.