Bivona: Schools getting more involved in sexual abuse prevention amid high-profile sex abuse cases

ROCHESTER, N.Y (WHEC) — We’ve recently seen a lot of arrests in child sex stings and abuse cases, but Bivona Child Advocacy Center says schools are getting more involved in sexual abuse prevention.

Northwood Elementary School principal Kirk Ashton was back in court Friday and is accused of sexually abusing 26 students, and two Walworth Town Board members have also been charged with sex crimes in an undercover sex sting in Canandaigua.

Officials from Bivona say schools are taking the extra steps to make sure education on sexual abuse is used more often.

"The interest in it among school districts has expanded significantly since the Kirk Ashton case and we really applaud school districts for taking this issue so seriously,” said Bivona’s Executive Director Deb Rosen.

One in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Rosen says the community is waking up to a serious issue.

"We are seeing more and more instances in which the threats to children’s safety are undeniable and that’s what we all need to keep in mind,” Rosen said.

Right now, the center is working with 16 schools. Five safety rules will help students prevent, recognize and respond to different types of child abuse: "Know what’s up", "Spot red flags", "Make a move", "Talk it up", and "No blame no shame".

"We will also be working with the adults in those settings, administration, teachers, and parents so that we’re all speaking the same language about keeping children safe,” Rosen added.

Rosen says the center offers a similar program called "Darkness to Light" specifically for adults.

Click here for more information about what to do if you suspect a child is being abused.