The Policy Project is holding a rally in the Utah State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, November 15th at 11:30 a.m. to galvanize community support for their current initiative, The Safe Child Project — an effort to expand child sexual abuse prevention education in K-6 schools.
Participation in child sexual abuse prevention education halves the likelihood of child sexual abuse. Under current Utah law, only 11 percent of Utah K-6 students receive abuse prevention curriculum, and The Safe Child Project aims to reach 100 percent of students in that age range.
“I believe that true change begins with collective action,” Kristin Andrus, Community Champion for The Policy Project said. “As a community, our presence at the rally speaks volumes — it tells our legislators that we prioritize the protection of our children. It’s time for our voices to echo through the Capitol, resounding with the shared determination to safeguard Utah’s children.”
The rally promises to be positive and impactful, bringing together hundreds of community members, legislators, partner organizations, students, and families — all committed to safeguarding the well-being of Utah’s children. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the color of The Safe Child Project, as a display of support and solidarity.
“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. 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 downstream societal problems like suicide, incarceration, high school dropout rates, substance abuse, mental and physical health challenges, unhealthy relationships, and employment difficulties.
The Safe Child Project is advocating for the opportunity for all K-6 students to receive sexual abuse prevention education by strengthening Utah Code 53G-9-207 and securing funding through a public-private partnership. The law states that students *may* receive prevention education. Our recommendation is to shift the language of the statute so that *all* K-6 students benefit from prevention education.
“In Utah, we already have a solid foundation in place to protect our children and ensure their safety,” Mary Catherine Perry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs for The Policy Project said. “Let’s come together and build upon these strong pillars to keep our children safe.”
The rally falls on the last Interim Day before the 2024 Utah Legislative Session, providing an ideal platform for the community to show the Utah Legislature how important The Safe Child Project is. At the rally, Senator Kirk Cullimore, Representative Karianne Lisonbee, and members of The Policy Project team will outline The Safe Child Project’s goals and emphasize its significance. Additionally, two survivors of child sexual abuse will share testimonials about how prevention education could have impacted their lives.
The community’s presence at the rally is crucial to show the Utah Legislature and state at large that the community is behind The Safe Child Project and ready to help make a change to prevent child sexual abuse. All are welcome to come and show their support. Register here: http://givebutter.com/safechild
