Dr. Jennifer Foster Works to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Jan. 27, 2016

Dr. Jennifer Foster, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and counseling psychology, is a co-author of the book titled “Child Sexual Abuse in India: Understanding and Impacting Individuals, Families, and Socio-cultural Systems.” This book raises awareness on the topic of sexual abuse in India and calls for neighborhood and community investment and involvement in the prevention of child sexual abuse. Education and early intervention are emphasized.

Dr. Foster is also cultivating prevention efforts locally through her receipt of a Merz Tate College of Education and Human Development grant. She will facilitate a prevention program titled Partnering with Families to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a child sexual abuse prevention-training program for parents and caregivers. The interactive workshop will educate and empower families on the topic of sexual abuse. Parents will learn the warning signs of sexual abuse, red flags of sexual offenders, and developmentally appropriate ways to talk with children about sexuality and CSA. The aim of this program is to empower parents and caregivers. It will also include a family component following the training to provide parents with an opportunity to talk openly with their children about sexual abuse.