Mineola Students Learn Self-Defense Against Abuse

While "reading, writing and 'rithmetic" are important fundaments to student learning, there are certain subjects, essential for childhood education, which often go undiscussed in classrooms around the world.

One such topic falling into this category is the discussion and understanding of abuse and abuse prevention. Though across New York it is mandatory for schools to discuss these issues with youngsters, many schools brush the topic under the rug.

Realizing such a vital topic is often being left out of many school's standard curriculum, Nassau County’s Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) took it upon themselves to begin workshop sessions in schools statewide, focusing on educating youths about abuse prevention.

In three 30-minute workshop sessions at Mineola’s , teachers, CAPS representatives and guidance counselors worked together with second grade students to teach the children the basic guidelines for identifying – and standing up to –abuse.

“Children have to learn that they have the right not to be hurt. This program teaches them skills which will keep them safe from harm,” Pat Lawless, a Cross Street administrator said.

Patty Cathers, Director of Programming and Volunteer Services for CAPS, is the mastermind behind the curriculum for second grade students.

“Most of the time, the only abuse education children receive is about prevention of abuse from strangers – but statistically, 85 percent of abuse is done by someone they know,” Cathers said in an interview. “Children don’t really know how to handle this and it's not being addressed. At this young age, children are going to start blaming themselves for the abuse that happens. We want children to know it’s not their fault and that there are many resources for them to get help.”

Divided into three lessons, students learned social concepts of neglect and abuse, as well as proper defensive tactics.

• Day one – students learn to define physical, sexual, emotional and mental abuse, including neglect. Children then view different scenarios and asked themselves “are my needs being met?” Students also learn which provisions need to be provided in order for them to grow into healthy adults.
• Day two – in a session held between teachers and guidance counselors, students are taught empowerment, as well as who to tell if they feel they are in an abusive situation and when.
• Day three – concepts of self worth and self esteem are reinforced to the students, who are then taught just how to respond to abuse. They are also taught that abuse is not their fault and how to access adults for help. Adults in the school are also taught how best to support students in abusive situations.

“Thanks to this program, students have been coming up to teachers, telling them some of the things taking place in their homes,” Cathers said. “Some of these students just fell through the cracks and otherwise, we would have never known [of the abuse that was going on].”

CAPS programs are held in schools around New York. Programs range from events for young school children to programs for students in their late teens, parents and even school officials.