Reports of child sexual abuse in schools in Oregon have drawn outrage and concern in the communities where they have occurred. Researchers and therapists who focus on helping child abuse survivors have best practices and prevention strategies, but they don’t actually know how prevalent abuse is in the state. Oregon is not alone. According to the University of Oregon’s Center for Childhood Safety and Wellbeing, no state has yet taken that on. Center director Jeff Todahl intends to change that with a study that’s now underway. Researchers have already done a pilot program in Lane County and are confident the statewide study will be completed by year’s end. Todahl joins us to share what we know about how to prevent and respond to child abuse in Oregon and how it can be improved.
Think Out Loud