Protection of Minors Against Sexual Abuse on the Example of the Document Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Students in a Catholic School

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is a social problem that requires a strong response. Therefore, action is needed to prevent harm. Information materials, procedures and training should be provided to strengthen safety in places where children and youth are present. The purpose of this article is to present the document Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Students in a Catholic School. Its creation stems from the demand to prepare prevention materials adapted to the context of educational institutions. The document is primarily aimed at Catholic schools, as it takes into account the prevention system of the Catholic Church in Poland. However, it can also be useful in other types of schools as most of the provisions are universal. The article describes the origins of the document and the theoretical assumptions lying behind it. It is mainly based on the comprehensive child sexual abuse prevention strategy developed by Stephen Smallbone, William L. Marshall and Richard Wortley. This concept postulates preventive action at three levels: universal, selective and interventional. Not only does the article summarize the key provisions of the publication in question but also it shows how the document applies the comprehensive prevention model in a school setting.