Peer-on-peer abuse is a difficult topic, and one we must address head on.
Our team at Darkness to Light hosted an Honest Conversations webinar with three leading experts in prevention to unpack this complex issue, share insights, and empower adults with the tools they need to navigate it effectively. We were joined by thought leaders from Thorn, The Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, and Stop It Now, each of whom brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. Together, we explored the realities of peer-on-peer abuse, what the latest research reveals, and how adults can play a key role in prevention.Statistics Shared
- More than 70% of children who are sexually abused are abused by a peer (Gewirtz-Meydan, & Finklehor, 2020).
- When looking at peer-on-peer sexual assault, incidents occurred most commonly at schools (44%) (Young et al., 2009).
- The rate of recidivism, or the juvenile reoffending, is very low – between 5% and 14% and the most do not become adults who abuse. (National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth)
Resources Shared
- Free, confidential and anonymous support — What’s OK? (whatsok.org)
- Is Your Explicit Content Out There? – Is Your Explicit Content Out There? (missingkids.org)
- TakeIt Down – Take It Down (ncmec.org)
- Safe and anonymous support – About Shore – Shore (shorespace.org.uk)
- National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth – Homepage Content | NCSBY
- Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse – Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
- Thorn for Parents – Be Your Kid’s Safety Net – Thorn for Parents
- Warning Signs in Adults – Stop It Now Tip Sheet: Signs That An Adult May Be At-Risk To Harm A Child
- Behaviors to watch out for – Stop It Now Tip Sheet: Behaviors to Watch for When Adults Are With Children
- Safety planning – Stop It Now Tip Sheet: Create A Family Safety Plan
- Let’s Talk – Stop It Now Let’s Talk Guide
- Thorn NoFiltr – Youth (aged 13-17) to learn about safe online behaviors
- Navigating Peer-on-Peer Abuse this School Year – Darkness to Light Peer-on-Peer Abuse Guide with What If Scenarios
Part 2: Policies and Practices
During this Part 2 follow-up session, we dove deeper into creating effective organizational policies and explored how organizations and communities can play an active role in preventing peer-on-peer abuse.
Our team discussed these topics with Tanya Ramos-Puig, CEO of Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Scott Eastman, CEO of Siskiyou Family YMCA, and Rachael Wise, Director of Consulting of The Redwoods Group.
Resources Shared
- About Monique Burr Foundation – Home – Monique Burr Foundation
- About The Redwoods Group – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Archives – The Redwoods Group
- Bus Supervision by The Redwoods Group – The Redwoods Group Guide to Bus Safety
- Safe vs. Unsafe Strangers by MBF – Stranger Safety Guide from Monique Burr Foundation
- MBF 5 Safety Rules© – Safety Rules from Monique Burr Foundation
- Bathroom Safety – The Redwoods Group Guide to Bathroom Safety
- Safer Sleepovers – Darkness to Light Guide to Safer Sleepovers
- Navigating Peer-on-Peer Abuse this School Year – Darkness to Light Peer-on-Peer Abuse Guide with What If Scenarios
What’s Next?
Our discussion with these leading organizations was just the beginning. Preventing peer-on-peer abuse requires ongoing commitment from parents, educators, and communities.
If you missed the webinar, you can watch Part 1 here. Part 2 can be viewed here.
