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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-05-20, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1992. OPP constable speaks on child abuse BY BONNIE GROPP A small but interested group attended a seminar on child abuse, sponsored by St. John Ambulance at the Brussels Legion on May 13. Guest speaker was Constable John Marshall of the Goderich OPP. Const. Marshall has been a community service officer in Huron county for nine years and has served on the Huron Child Abuse Committee. In 1984, Const. Marshall said, he had attended a week-long seminar at the Ontario Child Abuse Centre during which time he really got his eyes opened to the issue. The following year a street proof­ ing initiative was established with the prime objective being to visit the 30 elementary schools in the county and educate the students about child abuse. Const. Marshall says he met with both the separate and public school boards who each supported the idea. The program eventually went on to be accepted by the Christian Schools as well. Only the Mennonite schools have refused it, he said. The first part of the program is teaching the children to say no to strangers, which includes discus­ sion on who actually is a stranger. "In some situations, even a relative can be a stranger," he said, refer­ ring to relatives that a child doesn't know that well. The second part is what Const. Marshall refers to as "No, go and tell", meaning children should say no, then run and tell someone what has happened. Students also see the first part of "Better Safe Than Sorry" a film that uses several examples to illus­ trate situations with potential dan­ ger. For example, a man tries to entice a young boy away from a ball game over to his car by tempt­ ing him with the offer of a stereo. The film is then switched off and the children are asked what the boy should do. Other scenarios deal with chil­ dren being followed home or being offered a ride by a neighbour, which Const. Marshall says is "usu­ ally a difficult one to call." A skit is also part of the program, when Const. Marshall sets up a child being grabbed from the class­ room to get the students' reaction. "It gets them thinking that that per­ son should be saying something to attract attention," he explains. Children are introduced to part two of "Better Safe" about one month after Const. Marshall's first visit to the school. This part is in four segments and deals with touching. Const. Marshall said the definition of a stranger is reiterated and again various situations are presented to the children for their observations. Despite the seriousness of the topic, Const. Marshall says he likes to try and keep the sessions light. Also, he says, he is careful not to scare children away from good touching and explains that bad touching is violent or is done on parts of the body that are covered by a bathing suit. "We don't use the correct words because little chil- My body's nobody's body but mine Const. John Marshall of the Goderich OPP read this poem as an introduction to a child abuse semi­ nar sponsored by St. John Ambu­ lance in Brussels recently. Though the author is unknown, Const Mar­ shall said he felt it best exemplified what the issue is. My body's nobody's body but mine You run your own body, let me run mine. My body jumps It can run all around. It flies through the air, or crawls on the ground. Your body loves to pedal a bike. Our bodies do whatever they like. Don't hit me or kick me, don't push or shove Don't hug me too hard when you show me your love! Sometimes it's hard to say"No!" and be strong When the "NO!" feelings come, then I know something’s wrong! 'Cause my body's mine from my head to my toe Please leave it alone when you hear me say "NO!" Secrets are fun when they're filled with surprise But not when they hurt us with tricks, threats and lies. My body's mine to be used as I choose, Not to be threatened, or forced or abused! dren don't always know them," he said. Children talk about situations where someone may try and get them to remove their clothes, which could be for photographing, touch­ ing or looking. Then they discuss how this would make them feel. Const. Marshall noted that some schools have videos on the "yes and no" feelings. Also discussed are legitimate rea­ sons for removing your clothes, such as during a visit to the doctor or hospital. This is often something children don't realize until it is talked about, he said. The next scene in the film is a lit­ tle boy laying in bed and an adult voice warning him not to tell any­ one what happened or there will be trouble. "These people like to lay a guilt trip, but if kids are touched or hurt they need to know it's not their fault." Though reports say child abuse is on the rise, Const. Marshall says this is not quite true. "With the edu­ cation programs out there now for children, it's just being reported more." Though the world of a child is often based on fantasy, Const. Mar­ shall says, "If a child comes up to you with a story that's a bit beyond their age, then you should believe it." In responding there are five sentences he recommends. •I believe you •I'm glad you told me •It's not your fault •I'm sorry that happened to you •I'm going to do something about it. Children should be questioned on any bruises, suspcious or not, he says, adding that if they are the result of abuse, the child will often run. Anyone suspecting abuse should not hesitate to call the Chil­ dren's Aid or the OPP. Though this may be a difficult decision for someone it was noted that "the child comes first." Const. Marshall assures that the person's anonymity is protected. Less obvious signs to look for include graphic conversation beyond a child's years or a with­ drawn child. Const. Marshall said he would like to see the program expanded to educate teachers on what to look for. Preparing a child for court is one of the most difficult things to do after the report has been made. Const. Marshall said that fortunate­ ly, in his experience, this has not often been necessary as the person usually pleads guilty. In Huron, he has noticed that the perpetrator has most frequently been a neighbour. The ones that go to court usually involve a family member, he said. He said the Huron Child Abuse Committee has a "lot of power" in getting help for these victims, including rides to Toronto for ther­ apy, which may take years before the child is returned to normal innocence. A Kids-Help line is also available to young people on a 24 hour basis. The number is 1-800- 668-6868. Recognizing the limitations Const. Marshall says that this pro­ gram "is not the end-all. But you hope you are getting some help to these children. They should not have to go through something like this," he said. 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