Child abuse, bullying, and other forms of interpersonal violence are recognized as pervasive social problems and continue to be of serious concern despite prevention efforts. Most school-based prevention programs focus on teaching children and youth prevention skills that presume that they are confident and secure enough to say “no” to anyone who is victimizing them. These programs also assume that they can seek help from someone else when an adult that they know and trust has been abusive. Expectations such as these are unrealistic for most children and youth, especially when they are very young. The PEP Talk programs are unique in that it addresses child abuse, bullying, and other forms of interpersonal violence by acknowledging that it can be difficult for children and youth to say “no” to anyone who is victimizing them; and that there are barriers to seeking help particularly if a trusted adult is the perpetrator.

The dynamics of child abuse suggest that children who are targeted are often chosen for the very qualities that prevent them from saying “no” or telling someone about the abuse. Vulnerable children, with low self-esteem, poor communication skills and a lack of understanding about how and where to get help are at greater risk for abuse (Conte, et al., 1989; Eliot, et al., 1995). The purpose of the PEP Talk programs is to build and strengthen the skills and abilities that lessen children’s vulnerability to abusive situations. This can be accomplished in children and youth by building their self-esteem, developing their communication and decision-making skills, and fostering a developmentally appropriate understanding of healthy relationships and respect for others.

Furthermore, information on barriers to getting help and/or disclosing abuse are included in Boost facilitator training materials (see ‘Barriers to Disclosure’) to ensure facilitators of prevention programs remain sensitive to the complexities around the disclosure process.  When communicating with children, it is important to acknowledge that it is not always easy to seek help and to encourage children to continue telling until they receive the help they need.

These online resources were funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and through the generosity of The Brand Factory and JoeyAi.