What: As part of their statewide tour to garner widespread support for The Safe Child Project, The Policy Project, Saprea, and Prevent Child Abuse Utah are holding trainings in Salt Lake County to empower parents and community leaders with the tools they need to prevent child sexual abuse.
When: Wednesday, January 17, at 7:30 PM
Where: Hillcrest Junior High School, 178 E 5300 S, Murray, UT 84107
Who: Community members, legislators, partner organizations, students, and families in Salt Lake County
Interviews: By request, contact Jayden Davis (480) 670-0072, [email protected]
The Policy Project, Saprea, and Prevent Child Abuse Utah are hosting a “Parent and Community Education Night” for individuals in Salt Lake County. This event asks community members to participate in expert-led trainings on child sexual abuse prevention, create actionable plans for safeguarding their families and communities, and write letters to their legislators.
At the heart of this event is The Safe Child Project — The Policy Project’s 2024 legislative initiative to end child sexual abuse in Utah. The project seeks to strengthen existing Utah code and secure funding through a public-private partnership with the Utah Legislature to ensure that all K-6 students have the opportunity to receive sexual abuse prevention education. Currently, only 11 percent of Utah students receive this education. Additionally, The Policy Project has partnered with Saprea to empower parents and community leaders with the tools they need to keep kids safe at home.
“The heartbreaking reality is that child sexual abuse is widespread,” Emily Bell McCormick, Founder and President of The Policy Project said. “Utah’s rates of child sexual abuse are higher than the national average, and we are not willing to look away. The Safe Child Project confronts this pervasive issue head-on. Let’s acknowledge the urgency, break the silence, and work together for a future where our children are free from the shadows of sexual abuse.”
Child sexual abuse is a more significant problem than many realize. One in seven Utah children experiences sexual abuse before the age of 18, with children ages seven to 13 being the most vulnerable. Of these instances, 91% involve perpetrators known and trusted by the child, and nearly 50% are perpetrated by minors. The Safe Child Project aims to shed light on this issue and emphasize the need for preventive measures, as child sexual abuse is a root cause of many societal problems like suicide, incarceration, high school dropout rates, mental and physical health challenges, and substance abuse.
“Policy is a powerful tool for change, and by showing up for this Parent and Community Education Night, we send a clear signal to the Utah Legislature that The Safe Child Project is a cause worth championing,” Mary Catherine Perry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs for The Policy Project said. “Every voice, every letter to a legislator, and every event, propels us forward in the fight against child sexual abuse.”
In addition to important trainings, this event will include treats, upbeat music, and positivity as solutions to such a heavy issue are presented. Although the target audience is adults, the content will be age-appropriate for teens and young children who may attend.
“By supporting The Safe Child Project and gaining awareness about how to prevent child sexual abuse by attending the Parent and Community Education Night, we empower ourselves to be proactive guardians of the community’s children,” Kristin Andrus, Community Champion for The Policy Project said. “Together, we can build a safer environment and ensure every child has the protection they deserve.”
The community’s presence at this event is crucial to show the Utah Legislature that the state is ready to make a change to prevent child sexual abuse. All are welcome to come learn and show their support. Register here: https://givebutter.com/saltlakecounty
About The Policy Project
The Policy Project is a 501c3 nonprofit, non-partisan organization that promotes solution-based policy solutions that remove barriers to opportunity for women, children, and those experiencing intergenerational poverty. Our unique approach fosters support for these policies through impassioned grassroots movements, fueled by public-private partnerships, education, events, rallies and extensive relationship building. Because many barriers can and should be eliminated, we have the responsibility and desire to work for healthy, equitable policy for the future of our collective children, our nation, and our world. www.thepolicyproject.org
The Policy Project’s past initiatives to remove barriers to opportunity include “The Utah Period Project” and “The Teen Center Project.” “The Utah Period Project” aims to end period poverty and increase access to period products. Key achievements include passing a law mandating free period products in all K-12 schools in Utah, making Utah the first U.S. state to provide free period products in state-owned buildings, and launching the global “Period Positive Workplace” initiative. Additionally, “The Teen Center Project” aims to support schools in helping the most vulnerable students graduate and prepare for successful adulthood. Significant milestones include working with the Utah Legislature and State Board of Education to enhance services in over 60 Utah high schools and securing $18 million in funding for essential resources such as food pantries, laundry facilities, and mental health support in schools.
