Section 10 of the Act 1 mandate requires that
"A licensed child care facility shall ensure that all individuals working at the facility receive orientation, based on materials recommended by the Agency of Human Services and the Department of Education, on the prevention, identification, and mandatory reporting of child abuse, including child sexual abuse, signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse in and close to the home, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders."
Child sexual abuse can include actual physical contact as well as behavior that does not include physical contact.
Examples: sexting, viewing pornography, trafficking / trade or exposure to sexualized behaviors.
Fast Facts: Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect |Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC
Exposure to childhood sexual abuse is associated with failing to achieve secondary school, gaining higher education or a university degree
Youth who experienced sexual assault were twice as likely to report alcohol use or other drug dependence
Girls who have been victims often suffer from traumatic and profound lack of self-esteem
Boys who have been victims are at increased risk for more physical symptoms, eating disorders and risky behaviors
Subtle, gradual and escalating process of building trust with a child. It is deliberate and purposeful.
Grooming may include:
Befriending a child
Testing boundaries by telling inappropriate jokes, backrubs, tickling, etc.
Manipulating the child to not tell anyone about what is happening
Confusing the child into feeling responsible for abuse
This may include:
Identifying with the adolescent - being the only one who understand the adolescent
Common interests: sports, music, movies, etc.
Giving gifts of special privileges
Communicating with the adolescent outside of the person's role
Allowing or encouraging the adolescent to break rules (smoking, drinking, etc.)
Sexual knowledge and behavior beyond the normal developmental stage
Mimics adult-like sexual behavior with toys or dolls
Extreme behaviors, from a lack of emotion to aggressive and risk-taking behavior
Displays of sudden, unexplained personality changes or mood swings; acts out or becomes withdrawn
Refusal to talk about a secret shared with and adult or youth
Stay calm.
Don't question the child about the abuse - this could jeopardize an investigation and could be traumatizing
Assist the child in finding the designated staff member for him or her to talk to (Guidance Counselor, Nurse, Principal)
Thank the child for telling and praise him or her for her courage and trust
Be careful not to make negative comments about the alleged abuser
As mandated reporters, you are legally obligated to make a report, even if it is just a suspicion. You must report to DCF within 24 hours of the child's disclosure to you.
Respect the child's privacy and maintain confidentiality
Notify the building principal, before contacting DCF, whenever possible
Contact DCF's 24-Hour Child Protection Line within 24 hours of the disclosure
DCF 1-800-649-5285
For more information:
1(800) CHILDREN (VT) | (802) 229-5724 Prevent Child Abuse: Vermont