| Abstract.;The prevention of sexual violence is a complicated and challenging topic. Sexual exploitation and victimization of children and adolescents is a widespread problem that continues to plague our most vulnerable population. When a perpetrator deliberately harms a minor whether it be physically, psychologically, sexually, or by acts of neglect, it is a crime that can have long-term lasting effects on the victims for years. In most instances, the offenders are known to the victim. A perpetrator does not have to be an adult to harm a minor. They can have any relationship to the victim such as an older sibling, friend, family member, boyfriend or girlfriend, a teacher, a coach or instructor, a caretaker, or the parent of another child. Currently, human sex trafficking has become a national epidemic. Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery by force or coercion and used as means for sexual exploitation, forced labor, or both.;This applied research dissertation was designed and created as an organizational development intervention. A two-day workshop was designed to provide education, training, and information to benefit and improve the current safety of community members (parents and children) and enhance the knowledge base of community service providers (mental health professionals and mental health workers) through collaboration with local criminal justice and social service agencies. Ten evaluators, which included: 1 psychiatrist, 2 social workers, 1 trainer, 1 retired police sergeant, and 5 therapists took part in a 15-question survey utilizing a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative data gathering. The percentages of the quantitative responses were captured and the themes and patterns were identified from the qualitative comments.;The feedback results from the evaluators indicated the workshop was well designed and the intervention would have a positive impact on the community and professionals engaged in providing prevention and awareness. Suggested changes were considered to enhance the design of the workshop. Based on the literature and the feedback from the evaluators in this applied research study, further research, training, and education on the prevention and awareness of child sexual abuse is clearly necessary and needed. |
