Educating Community

Partnering with Community

Together we can create a safer community for our collective children. We offer a variety of free trainings on topics related to child sexual abuse prevention. 

Abuse Prevention Programs for Adults

DARKNESS TO LIGHT

This training is intended for youth-serving organizations, community members, and anyone interested in keeping children safe. Participants will learn how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-based program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child-protective behaviors. Approximately 2.5 hours in duration. Must be 18 years old to attend.

HOW PERPETRATORS GROOM CHILDREN

Grooming is a deliberate process used by perpetrators to establish a relationship with a child for the purpose of gaining the child's trust and cooperation in order to accomplish a desired sexual act. Join us in learning the seven steps in the grooming process and how to intervene. Approximately 1 hour in duration.

MANDATED REPORTER 

Intended for school personnel, agency professionals, and community members. Participants will receive a Mandated Reporter Toolkit with the latest research and information related to mandated reporting practices for the State of Michigan. Participants will learn what types of concerns need to be reported and who to contact. Approximately 1.5 hours in duration.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION BASICS

Learn the 5 simple strategies to protect children and respond to sexual abuse: understand the key facts, minimize opportunity, talk about it, recognize the signs, and react responsibly. Approximately 1 hour in duration.

Learn More about Community Prevention Opportunities

Individuals can check out the current training schedule and register here. Groups looking for training or who have additional questions can contact Julie Leeson, our Prevention and Community Outreach Director at jleeson@cac-ottawa.org. 

Additional Prevention Resources

Here at the Children’s Advocacy Center, we acknowledge, honor, and promote the role of parents in talking with their children about sensitive topics such as child sexual abuse. Parents are critical to successful prevention and intervention. We encourage you to talk often with your kids about body safety and boundaries! We have some great resources to help guide your conversations.