Child sexual abuse is so prevalent in American society that one in seven boys might be sexually abused before reaching adulthood: the percentage of sexually abused girls is even greater. To respond to this growing social problem, the Boy Scouts of America has developed comprehensive youth protection training that addresses the problem of child sexual abuse and at the same time helps Scouting continue to provide a safe environment and meet high standards of leadership for our youth members.
At our troop meeting on December 8 at 7:30 PM, we will show the video A Time to Tell. This award-winning video was produced by the Boy Scouts of America to educate boys 11 years of age and older about child sexual abuse and the steps they should take to protect themselves from being sexually abused.
A Time to Tell is an important part of the BSA's Youth Protection training. Each Boy Scout troop is encouraged to show the video to its members once a year. The video presents common situations in which sexual abuse might occur. It emphasizes the BSA's “three R’s” of Youth Protection that instruct children -
- to Recognize that child molesters can be anyone and to be aware of situations in which youth can be at increased risk of being abused.
- to Resist advances made by child molesters, and
- to Report to parents or other trusted adult any molestation or attempted molestation.
You are invited and encouraged to attend the viewing of A Time to Tell with your son. Child abuse professionals unanimously agree that open communication between parents and children is vital to prevent child abuse. Your viewing of this video will help to provide a common point of reference for subsequent discussions between you and your son on this topic.
I hope that you will be able to join us on December 8.th.
Sincerely,
Angie Jensen
Troop 1191 Committee Chairman