NCJ Number
195898
Journal
Violence and Victimes Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2002 Pages: 355-372
Editor(s)
Roland D. Maiuro Ph.D.
Date Published
June 2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed the outcomes of parent participation in the ESPACE workshop, a child abuse prevention program offered to parents of elementary school children.
Abstract
In an attempt to reduce the prevalence of child sexual abuse, several prevention initiatives have been developed. The objectives of these many child-centered programs are similar but differ in their duration and the number of sessions offered. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of these programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following participation in the ESPACE parents’ workshop. ESPACE was adapted from the American Child Assault Prevention Project (CAP) by the Quebec Coalition of Sexual Assault Support and Advocacy Centers. It is based on a feminist analysis of factors responsible for children’s vulnerability towards abuse and inspired by the empowerment model. The evaluation of the parent component of the program focused on three outcomes: (1) the analysis of parents’ knowledge related to the core concepts discussed in the workshop; (2) the behavioral intentions of parents confronted with a hypothetical situation of a child disclosing sexual abuse; and (3) the self-efficacy skills of parents when confronted with a hypothetical disclosure. The participants in the study were parents of children enrolled in public schools of the Chaudiere-Appalaches region near Quebec Canada. A questionnaire was administered to parents following the presentation of the parents’ workshop. Questions related to demographic characteristics. This evaluation verified whether participation in the prevention workshop enhanced knowledge of parents concerning sexual abuse. Data collected suggest that the program has a positive outcome on parents’ knowledge and those attending obtained higher scores than those who did not. The ESPACE parent session also had a positive outcome on parents’ behavioral intentions. The parental workshop suggested positive outcomes both in terms of knowledge of sexual abuse facts and in terms of behavioral intentions. The evaluation revealed some methodological limitations that are presented and discussed. However, the study provided some evidence regarding the beneficial outcomes following parents’ participation and has offered incentives for community workers to pursue their goals in attempting to sensitize parents in regards to child sexual abuse and consider new implementation strategies. Tables and references