Child Sexual Abuse Advocacy Training Series

TAALK is dedicated to equipping and empowering advocates all over the world to teach their communities how to reduce children's vulnerability to sexual abuse and to support survivors through the healing process. This six-topic (8 class) series is designed to provide people seeking to become child sexual abuse advocates a well rounded understanding of how to create an effective child sexual abuse initiative in their community. We'll discuss how to ensure success of your initiative through sound business skills and long-term relationship management.

An Introduction: Child Sexual Abuse Advocacy Training Series

TAALK first offered this child sexual abuse advocacy training series as part of their TAALK Chapters program which was based on a vision of launching chapters nationally but the program was not successful for a variety of reasons. Therefore, TAALK no longer offers this training with the intention of launching chapters or having direct oversight of the advocates who take the training, not even as volunteers.

That said, the training is deep and broad and we want the value of these courses to be available to as many people as possible, even though the formal program is no longer in place. So, we are currently offering the six topic (8 course) series at no charge to anyone who seeks to become an independent advocate in their community or just wants to learn more. We encourage you to take advantage of this valuable training!

#1 - Let's Start at the Beginning - A Community Safety Assessment

This 2-hour on-line training class will provide you with an understanding of the broad array of child sexual abuse programs and services found in communities around the world and how to research and document the existing programs within your community. One of the most important aspects of creating a successful advocacy program is to find a way to complement the existing organizations and programs rather than compete against them. It is both a better use of your time and creates an environment of collaboration from the beginning.

#2A - Teaching Child Sexual Abuse Basics - It's Easier Than You Think

This topic consists of two 2-hour on-line training classes which will teach you how to deliver a child sexual abuse awareness presentation. This product includes the first of the two classes (Part A). The second class (Part B) is a separate product.

The child sexual abuse awareness presentation covers a variety of topics including:

#2B - Teaching Child Sexual Abuse Basics - It's Easier Than You Think

This topic consists of two 2-hour on-line training classes which will teach you how to deliver a child sexual abuse awareness presentation. This product includes the second of the two classes (Part B). The first class (Part A) is a separate product and should be completed first.

The child sexual abuse awareness presentation covers a variety of topics including:

#3 - Letting People Know You're There

This 2-hour on-line training class will teach you how to locate and leverage existing events in your community to bring awareness to the child sexual abuse pandemic as well as your advocacy initiatves. Events such as professional conferences and community fairs provide a great way to gain exposure and make connections with people who would benefit from your awareness, education, and support programs. In addition, we'll discuss how to research and build databases of key community segments to target for program delivery opportunities - segments include schools, faith organizations, mental health professionals, parent teacher associations, sports leagues, etc.

#4 - Even Professionals Have Something to Learn - Survivor Stories in Action

This 1-hour on-line training class will show you how direct and indirect survivors of child sexual abuse can use their stories to provide crucial sensitivity training to professionals including therapists, social workers, law enforcement, attorneys, judges, etc. More often than not, professionals who become part of the system that handles the aftermath of child sexual abuse go directly from text book learning to live cases and never have a chance to simply talk with those who have been impacted.

#5A - Supporting Parents in the Aftermath of Their Child's Disclosure

This topic consists of two 2-hour on-line training classes which will prepare you to provide one-on-one support for parents whose children have been abused. This product includes the first of the two classes (Part A). The second class (Part B) is a separate product .

The first days, weeks, and months after disclosure are often surreal for parents. They need someone who's not emotionally involved to guide them through key aspects of their journey including:

#5B - Supporting Parents in the Aftermath of Their Child's Disclosure

This topic consists of two 2-hour on-line training classes which will prepare you to provide one-on-one support for parents whose children have been abused. This product includes the second of the two classes (Part B). The first class (Part A) is a separate product.

The first days, weeks, and months after disclosure are often surreal for parents. They need someone who's not emotionally involved to guide them through key aspects of their journey including:

#6 - Creating a Safe Place to Heal - Peer-to-Peer Support Groups

This 3-hour on-line training class will prepare you to start and moderate a peer-to-peer support group for adult survivors. Experts estimate that 20% of the adult population are survivors of child sexual abuse. How can we go into community and ask people to break the silence and start talking about it if we don't provide survivors a safe place to heal? We will provide guidance on: