SEXUAL ABUSE, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
(formerly CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION)

Note:  Effective June 30, 2017, school districts must establish a training program for students and provide parent notices relating to sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention for students in kindergarten through grade 12. AS 14.30.355. By the same date, school districts shall establish a training program for students and provide parent notices relating to dating violence and abuse in grades seven through 12. AS 14.30.356.

Every child has the right to live free of physical and emotional abuse, including neglect, sexual assault and dating violence.   The School Board recognizes that such abuse has severe consequences for the child, sometimes resulting in the child's own violent behavior or in substance abuse.  The district shall provide a comprehensive program of health and safety that educates students regarding the recognition and avoidance of sexual abuse and dating violence and includes parents in prevention and intervention services.   

1. Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention
   
   
   1. The District will provide age-appropriate information to students in grades kindergarten through twelve to teach students the difference between appropriate and inappropriate conduct in situations where sexual abuse could occur, and to identify actions students may take to prevent and report sexual abuse or sexual assault.
      
      
   2. Students will be informed of referral and resource information, including the availability of student counseling and educational support.
      
      
   3. The Superintendent will implement various methods for increasing teacher, student, and parent awareness of issues regarding sexual abuse of children.
      
      
2. Dating Violence and Abuse Awareness and Prevention
   
   
   1. The District will provide age-appropriate information to students in grades 7 through twelve to teach students the characteristics of healthy and respectful relationships, the warning signs of dating violence and abusive behavior, and measures to prevent, report, and stop violence and abuse.
      
      
   2. Students will be educated about youth violence prevention that reinforces nonviolent solutions to problems so as to recognize and avoid the threat or use of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse to control the person’s dating partner.     
      
      
   3. Students will be informed of community and District resources available to victims of dating violence and abuse.
      
      
3. Voluntary Participation
   
   A student may be excused from participation in the district’s awareness and prevention programs described above upon written request of a parent or guardian, or of the student if 18 years or older, or legally emancipated.
   
   
4. Child Abuse and Neglect
   
   The Superintendent or designee shall provide coordinated training for teachers who will use the child abuse prevention curriculum, including instruction in the physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, crisis counseling techniques, community resources, rights and responsibilities to report abuse or neglect, and care for a child's needs after a report is made.

(cf. 5141.4 – Child Abuse and Neglect)
(cf. 4131 – Staff Development)

Note: Educators may be invited to serve on a multidisciplinary child protection team, if determined appropriate by a consensus of the team.  AS 47.14.300.

(cf. 1020 - Youth Services)
(cf. 6142.1 - Family Life/Sex Education)

Legal Reference:

ALASKA STATUTES
14.30.355 Sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention
14.30.356 Dating violence and abuse policy, training, awareness, prevention and notices.
14.30.360  Curriculum (Health and Safety Education)
47.14.300  Multidisciplinary child protection teams

KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Adoption Date:  7/27/2016

• BP 5141.41