Strengthening Systems that Focus on Prevention

Originally published in The Boston Globe
by Jennifer Valenzuela, Executive Director

Shelley Murphy’s June 27 front-page article, “Technology helps, hinders fight against child porn,” is a painful reminder that behind each case are children whose lives have been irrevocably harmed. But even as law enforcement works to stop abusers, we must strengthen the systems that focus on prevention.

Too often, the conversation begins after abuse has occurred, but we can invest time and resources into prevention efforts so that abuse never occurs. We can invest in programs that teach parents and caregivers age-appropriate ways to talk with their children about body safety and boundaries. We can better support child-serving organizations to recognize early signs of risk and put plans into place to keep kids safe. And we can change our culture to reduce the shame that often keeps families silent. The discomfort associated with talking about child sexual abuse makes it harder for parents to have open conversations designed to protect their children and teach their children how to protect themselves.

We need sustained investment in these prevention models and policies that prioritize education, prevention, and early support, not just intervention after the fact. If we truly want to stop child sexual abuse, we must invest not only in justice but also in the systems that keep kids safe in the first place.

Jennifer Valenzuela
Executive Director
The Children’s Trust
Boston