Investigation of effectiveness of child sexual abuse prevention program in early adolescence

Adolescence is a period that focuses on body, gender and sexuality as well as physical and mental changes. In this period, the previous sexual abuse experience is reassessed and the adolescent confesses to this experience. For this reason, it is important to inform the adolescent about healthy sexual behavior and sexual abuse. The purpose of this program is to assess the effectiveness of the abuse prevention program in early adolescence. This program was developed by researchers and was administered for 80 minutes per week for 6 weeks. It consists of six modules. These modules about; sexuality, prevention from abuse, internet related abuse and protection methods. The program was applied to 5th and 6th grade students by the author (n = 232). There are 3 groups; education (n = 60), comparison (n = 81), second comparison (n = 91). The age of participants varies from 9 to 13 years. Participants were responded to the Information Form, The Emotional Awareness Questionnaire, Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents, Sexual Health Knowledge and Attitude Inventory, Safe and Unsafe Situation Assessment Form, and Internet Based Abuse Knowledge Scale (Follow up measurement measures were taken from the education group). Parents have filled out the Parent Form with demographic information and possible positive / negative side effects. It is seen that children have increasing knowledge and abilities to prevent abuse and there is no negative side effect of the program. It is thought that the analyzes conducted should be improved internet related abuse, say no and decision making, safe friendship and romantic relationships. Key words: Child sexual abuse, prevention, adolescence, sexual education