Abstract
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau a startling 695,000 cases of child maltreatment were reported in the United States during the year 2010, with sexual assault accounting for nearly 10 % of those cases. Survivors of childhood sexual assault (CSA) may experience social, emotional, and cognitive developmental issues related to the victimization that their non-victimized counterparts do not (Dove & Miller, 2007; Van Bruggen, Runtz, & Kadlec, 2006). It is crucial for educators and professionals working with children to be aware of the socio-emotional and cognitive difficulties survivors of CSA may face. Sources of Data The researcher developed a two-part lecture series that presented current and future professionals working with children with information on CSA, developmental outcomes associated with CSA, warning signs of abuse, and how to report CSA. The researcher also incorporated two activities into the lectures to help aid in participants’ retention of knowledge of CSA warning signs and occupations that mandate reporting of CSA. At the end of the lecture presentation, participants completed a brief evaluation rating the lecture content and usefulness. Conclusions Reached Analysis of the data from the evaluations showed that participants increased their knowledge of CSA, developmental outcomes, reporting CSA, mandated reporting laws, and CSA warning signs. Results from the evaluation indicated that the overall experience of the lectures was enjoyable and participants indicated that they gained a significant amount of knowledge and felt more able to implement this knowledge if necessary. Participants also indicated on the suggestions and comments option that they would like to see more professional guest speakers, coping resources for victims, and more group interaction in a future lecture series.