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Safeguarding Children: A Critical Step Toward a Safer Future
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a preventable public health crisis affecting millions of children worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that over 120 million girls under the age of 20 have experienced forced sexual contact globally. In Canada alone, nearly 2.4 million individuals reported being victims of sexual abuse during childhood. These alarming figures underscore the urgency of addressing this pervasive issue.
Safeguarding Matters
Safeguarding is more than a responsibility—it is an essential action to protect children and foster their growth in safe, nurturing environments. Evidence shows that communities equipped with proper education and preventive measures are better positioned to identify risks and respond effectively.
Programs such as Practitioner Training for Core Life Skills (PCLS) focus on empowering professionals in child safety, providing the skills needed to identify and address risks while creating safe spaces for children. At the same time, community and school-based programs have proven effective in promoting early prevention.With the right tools, such as open communication, positive reinforcement, and structured training, safeguarding becomes a collective effort, ensuring that children are shielded from harm and can grow into resilient, confident individuals.
In British Columbia, CSA is among the most underreported crimes, with secrecy and stigma acting as significant barriers to justice. Research reveals that 93% of CSA cases go unreported, leaving many victims without the necessary support or intervention. The consequences are severe, often leading to long-term emotional trauma, socio-economic hardships, and cycles of victimization.
A Call to Action
Life Skills Academy is committed to being a catalyst for change. By offering programs like BCLS (Building Core Life Skills), which directly empowers children with essential life skills, and PCLS, which equips professionals to address risks, we aim to create a culture of vigilance and safety and PUT, which focuses on coaching parents and caregivers with positive reinforcement strategies to guide children's development.
As we launch our free 1-hour introductory workshop, we invite parents, caregivers, and professionals to join the conversation. Together, we can break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse and build a future where every child feels protected and supported.
Safeguarding is not optional—it’s our shared duty.
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